bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Change in active microbial community structure, abundance and carbon cycling in an acid rice paddy soil with the addition of biochar
Authors: Chen J. , Sun X. , Li L. , Liu X. , Zhang B. , Zheng J. , Pan G. 
Published: November 2016

Biochar amendment of soil is known to enhance soil carbon sequestration and fertility. Its effect on soil microbial activity and functioning, however, is not well understood, particularly in field conditions. We collected topsoil samples from plots in a rice paddy in southwest China either amended with biochar for 18 months or not amended. Soil respiration, enzyme activity, total and metabolically active microbial community structures and abundances based on DNA and RNA, and functional diversity were determined. Soil organic carbon (SOC), total nitrogen (TN), pH and dissolved organic carbon (DOC) were significantly greater, and bulk density was less, under biochar amendment at 40 t ha−1 than for non‐amended soil. The addition of biochar generally reduced soil respiration, total and active fungal 18S gene abundances and β‐glucosidase activity, whereas it increased microbial biomass carbon and nitrogen, total and active bacterial 16S gene abundances, dehydrogenase and alkaline phosphatase activities. Furthermore, biochar amendment induced clear changes in the active microbial community structure and selected microorganisms with carbon substrates of polymers, and phenolic and amine compounds. Redundancy analysis indicated that the changes in soil pH and nutrient concentrations such as SOC, TN and DOC were of benefit mainly to the bacterial community rather than to the fungal one. Therefore, short‐term biochar amendment could help to slow down soil carbon turnover through increased efficiency of carbon use. In addition, soil microorganisms could potentially be selected to enable the use of some recalcitrant carbon substrates. Further investigations are needed to assess the underlying processes and potential effect of these changes on the mineralization of soil organic matter and ecosystem functioning in rice paddy soil.HighlightsExamined effect of biochar on soil microbial activity and its functioning 18 months after amendment.
Biochar promoted total and metabolically active bacteria, but inhibited those of fungi over time.
Biochar changed the active, but not the total community structures of bacteria and fungi.
Biochar selected soil microorganisms with carbon substrates rich in aromatics.
Reactivation of seizure‐related changes to interictal spike shape and synchrony during postseizure sleep in patients
Authors: Bower Mark R. , Kucewicz Michal T. , St. Louis Erik K. , Meyer Fredric B. , Marsh W. Richard , Stead Matt , Worrell Gregory A. 
Published: November 2016

SummaryObjectiveLocal field potentials (LFPs) arise from synchronous activation of millions of neurons, producing seemingly consistent waveform shapes and relative synchrony across electrodes. Interictal spikes (IISs) are LFPs associated with epilepsy that are commonly used to guide surgical resection. Recently, changes in neuronal firing patterns observed in the minutes preceding seizure onset were found to be reactivated during postseizure sleep, a process called seizure‐related consolidation (SRC), due to similarities with learning‐related consolidation. Because IISs arise from summed neural activity, we hypothesized that changes in IIS shape and relative synchrony would be observed in the minutes preceding seizure onset and would be reactivated preferentially during postseizure slow‐wave sleep (SWS).MethodsScalp and intracranial recordings were obtained continuously across multiple days from clinical macroelectrodes implanted in patients undergoing treatment for intractable epilepsy. Data from scalp electrodes were used to stage sleep. Data from intracranial electrodes were used to detect IISs using a previously established algorithm. Partial correlations were computed for sleep and wake periods before and after seizures as a function of correlations observed in the minutes preceding seizures. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computed tomography (CT) scans were co‐registered with electroencephalography (EEG) to determine the location of the seizure‐onset zone (SOZ).ResultsChanges in IIS shape and relative synchrony were observed on a subset of macroelectrodes minutes before seizure onset, and these changes were reactivated preferentially during postseizure SWS. Changes in synchrony were greatest for pairs of electrodes where at least one electrode was located in the SOZ.SignificanceThese data suggest preseizure changes in neural activity and their subsequent reactivation occur across a broad spatiotemporal scale: from single neurons to LFPs, both within and outside the SOZ. The preferential reactivation of seizure‐related changes in IISs during postseizure SWS adds to a growing body of literature suggesting that pathologic neural processes may utilize physiologic mechanisms of synaptic plasticity.
Duration of use of oral cannabis extract in a cohort of pediatric epilepsy patients
Authors: Treat Lauren , Chapman Kevin E. , Colborn Kathryn L. , Knupp Kelly G. 
Published: November 2016

SummaryObjectiveOral cannabis extracts (OCEs) are being used in the treatment of epilepsy with increasing rates in the United States following product legalization; however, no studies demonstrate clear efficacy. We evaluated the duration of use of OCEs as a measure of perceived benefit in a cohort of patients with pediatric epilepsy.MethodsRetrospective chart review was performed of children and adolescents who were given OCEs for treatment of epilepsy.ResultsOf the 119 patients included in the analysis, 71% terminated use of their OCE product during the study period. The average length of use of OCE was 11.7 months (range 0.3–57 months). Perceived seizure benefit was the only factor associated with longer duration of treatment with OCE (p < 0.01). Relocation to Colorado was associated with perceived benefit of OCEs for seizures (65% vs. 38%, p = 0.01), but was not independently associated with longer OCE use. Factors associated with shorter use included adverse effects (p = 0.03) and a diagnosis of Dravet syndrome (p = 0.02). Twenty‐four percent of patients were considered OCE responders, which was defined by a parent's report of a > 50% reduction in seizures while on this therapy. Adverse events (AEs) were reported in 19% of patients, with the most common side effects being somnolence and worsening of seizures.SignificanceParental report of OCE use in refractory pediatric epilepsy suggests that some families perceive benefit from this therapy; however, discontinuation of these products is common. Duration appears to be affected by logical factors, such as perceived benefit and side effect profile. Surprisingly, families of patients with Dravet syndrome terminated use of OCEs more quickly than patients with other epilepsy syndromes. Results from this study highlight the need for rigorous clinical studies to characterize the efficacy and safety of OCEs, which can inform discussions with patients and families.
When in life does density dependence occur in fish populations?
Authors: Andersen Ken H , Jacobsen Nis S , Jansen Teunis , Beyer Jan E 
Published: November 2016

AbstractFisheries advice is based on demographic calculations, which assume that density‐dependent processes regulating recruitment occur only in early life. This assumption is challenged by laboratory and lake studies and some recent indications from marine systems that demonstrate density‐dependent regulation late in life. By accounting for spatial dynamics of a population, something that has previously been ignored in models of fish, we show that density‐dependent regulation is determined by the size of the habitat: in small habitats, for example small lakes, regulation occurs late in life, while it can occur early in large habitats. When regulation happens late in life, fisheries yield is maximized by exploitation of mainly juvenile fish, while exploiting mature fish maximizes yield if regulation happens early. We review and interpret observations of density dependence in the light of the theory. Our results challenge the current assumption that density dependence always occurs early in life and highlights the need for an increased understanding of density‐dependent processes. This can only come about by a change of focus from determining stock‐recruitment relationships towards understanding when and how density‐dependent regulation occurs in nature.
Is there a tiller morphology ideotype for yield differences in perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.)?
Authors: Griffiths W. M. , Matthew C. , Lee J. M. , Chapman D. F. 
Published: November 2016

AbstractThe objectives of this study were to measure the variability in ‘realized’ tiller morphology and identify whether there are emergent generalizations about a tiller ideotype for productivity or survival. Morphological traits during the vegetative growth stage were measured for 2 years in the field for eight perennial ryegrass cultivars: six diploid and two tetraploid cultivars under low and high nitrogen fertilizer (50 and 225 kg N ha−1 year−1 respectively). Traits measured were lamina width, length and area; pseudo‐stem length and diameter; an index of tiller shape; tiller dry weight; tiller density; and herbage mass. Almost all the traits differed significantly between cultivars and significant correlations were found between the 2 years. Principal component analysis identified that tiller morphology and dry‐matter yield were independent. No trait associations indicating alternative cultivar‐specific tiller morphologies were detected but cultivars differed in tiller size. The patterns of change between the 2 years indicated a possible morphological trajectory as swards age. The genetic compensatory relationship between tiller size and density had a 1:1 slope, indicative of constant yield. This implies that larger tillers would be more leafy, and higher leafiness of tetraploid over diploid cultivars was confirmed by the leaf:non‐leaf ratio and tiller shape index.
Changes in Left Atrial Transport Function in Patients Who Maintained Sinus Rhythm After Successful Radiofrequency Catheter Ablation for Atrial Fibrillation: A 1‐Year Follow‐Up Multislice Computed Tomography Study
Authors: KIM JIN‐SEOK , IM SUNG IL , SHIN SEUNG YONG , KANG JUN HYUK , NA JIN OH , CHOI CHEOL UNG , KIM SEONG HWAN , KIM EUNG JU , RHA SEUNG‐WOON , PARK CHANG GYU , SEO HONG SEOG , OH DONG JOO , HWANG CHUN , KIM YOUNG‐HOON , YONG HWAN SEOK , LIM HONG EUY 
Published: November 2016

LA Functional Remodeling After AF AblationBackgroundFunctional remodeling of left atrium (LA) after radiofrequency catheter ablation (RFCA) for atrial fibrillation (AF) has not been fully elucidated. This study aimed to determine the impact of RFCA on LA transport function in patients who maintained sinus rhythm (SR) after AF ablation.Methods and ResultsA total of 96 patients (paroxysmal AF [PAF] = 52) who maintained SR during 1 year after AF ablation were enrolled. Multislice computed tomography was performed to determine LA volume (LAV) and LA emptying fraction (LAEF) at pre‐RFCA and 1‐year post‐RFCA. Creatine kinase‐MB (CK‐MB) and troponin‐T levels were analyzed 1‐day post‐RFCA. At 1‐year post‐RFCA, mean LAV and LAEF decreased in overall patients. Based on LAEF change (ΔLAEF) cutoff of 5.0%, LAEF reduced in 41 patients (worsened group) and improved or showed no change in 55 patients (preserved group). Compared with preserved group, worsened group had a higher proportion of PAF, higher levels of CK‐MB and troponin‐T, and additional LA ablation. ΔLAEF was inversely correlated with CK‐MB and troponin‐T levels. Subgroup analysis showed that LAEF significantly decreased in PAF patients who underwent additional LA ablation. Multivariate analysis revealed that high baseline LAEF and additional LA ablation were independent predictors for worsened LAEF.ConclusionsAlthough SR was maintained for 1 year after AF ablation, LAEF as well as LAV decreased. The extent of LAEF deterioration was significantly associated with the amount of iatrogenic myocardial damage. Our data indicate that extensive atrial ablation may lead to LA functional deterioration, especially in patients with PAF.
MicroRNA‐98 regulates osteogenic differentiation of human bone mesenchymal stromal cells by targeting BMP2
Authors: Zhang Guo‐Ping , Zhang Jing , Zhu Chao‐Hua , Lin Lei , Wang Jian , Zhang Hai‐Jing , Li Jun , Yu Xiao‐Guang , Zhao Zhen‐Shuan , Dong Wei , Liu Guo‐Bin 
Published: November 2016

AbstractTo study the effects of microRNA‐98 (miR‐98) on human bone mesenchymal stromal cells (hBMSCs). The patients undergoing hip arthroplasty were selected by inclusion/exclusion criteria for this study. The extracted hBMSCs were detected of osteogenic differentiation by alizarin red S staining, and of cell phenotype by flow cytometry. Bioinformatics, dual luciferase report, western blotting, RT‐PCR and immunoblotting were used in our study. The hBMSCs were divided into miR‐98 mimics, miR‐98 negative control (NC), miR‐98 inhibitors, Mock and miR‐98 inhibitors + siBMP2 groups. Human bone mesenchymal stromal cells were extracted and purified in vitro and had specific cytological morphology, surface markers and abilities of self‐renewal and differentiation. Compared with the NC group and Mock group, the miR‐98 mimics group showed increased miR‐98 level while the miR‐98 inhibitors group decreased miR‐98 level (both P < 0.01). Dual luciferase reporter showed BMP2 was the target gene of miR‐98. The levels of mRNA and protein expression of BMP2, protein expression of RUNX2, alkaline phosphatase activity and osteocalcin content significantly decreased in the miR‐98 mimics group while increased in the miR‐98 inhibitors group and showed no changes in the NC group and Mock group (all P < 0.05). The miR‐98 mimics group showed obviously declined stained red particles and the miR‐98 inhibitors group showed opposite result. After lowering the expression of miR‐98, osteogenic differentiation ability of hBMSCs rose, which was weakened by the transfection with siBMP2. miR‐98 may regulate osteogenic differentiation of hBMSCs by targeting BMP2.
Telocytes: a potential defender in the spleen of Npc1 mutant mice
Authors: Zhang Bichao , Yang Ciqing , Qiao Liang , Li Qiuling , Wang Congrui , Yan Xin , Lin Juntang 
Published: November 2016

AbstractNiemann–Pick disease, type C1 (Npc1), is an atypical lysosomal storage disorder caused by autosomal recessive inheritance of mutations in Npc1 gene. In the Npc1 mutant mice (Npc1−/−), the initial manifestation is enlarged spleen, concomitant with free cholesterol accumulation. Telocytes (TCs), a novel type of interstitial cell, exist in a variety of tissues including spleen, presumably thought to be involved in many biological processes such as nursing stem cells and recruiting inflammatory cells. In this study, we found that the spleen is significantly enlarged in Npc1−/− mice, and the results from transmission electron microscopy examination and immunostaining using three different TCs markers, c‐Kit, CD34 and Vimentin revealed significantly increased splenic TCs in Npc1−/− mice. Furthermore, hematopoietic stem cells and macrophages were also elevated in Npc1−/− spleen. Taken together, our data indicate that splenic TCs might alleviate the progress of splenic malfunction via recruiting hematopoietic stem cells and macrophages.
Sildenafil attenuates hypoxic pulmonary remodelling by inhibiting bone marrow progenitor cells
Authors: Favre Shirley , Gambini Elisa , Nigro Patrizia , Scopece Alessandro , Bianciardi Paola , Caretti Anna , Pompilio Giulio , Corno Antonio F. , Vassalli Giuseppe , von Segesser Ludwig K. , Samaja Michele , Milano Giuseppina 
Published: November 2016

AbstractThe recruitment of bone marrow (BM)‐derived progenitor cells to the lung is related to pulmonary remodelling and the pathogenesis of pulmonary hypertension (PH). Although sildenafil is a known target in PH treatment, the underlying molecular mechanism is still elusive. To test the hypothesis that the therapeutic effect of sildenafil is linked to the reduced recruitment of BM‐derived progenitor cells, we induced pulmonary remodelling in rats by two‐week exposure to chronic hypoxia (CH, 10% oxygen), a trigger of BM‐derived progenitor cells. Rats were treated with either placebo (saline) or sildenafil (1.4 mg/kg/day ip) during CH. Control rats were kept in room air (21% oxygen) with no treatment. As expected, sildenafil attenuated the CH‐induced increase in right ventricular systolic pressure and right ventricular hypertrophy. However, sildenafil suppressed the CH‐induced increase in c‐kit+ cells in the adventitia of pulmonary arteries. Moreover, sildenafil reduced the number of c‐kit+ cells that colocalize with tyrosine kinase receptor 2 (VEGF‐R2) and CD68 (a marker for macrophages), indicating a positive effect on moderating hypoxia‐induced smooth muscle cell proliferation and inflammation without affecting the pulmonary levels of hypoxia‐inducible factor (HIF)‐1α. Furthermore, sildenafil depressed the number of CXCR4+ cells. Collectively, these findings indicate that the improvement in pulmonary haemodynamic by sildenafil is linked to decreased recruitment of BM‐derived c‐kit+ cells in the pulmonary tissue. The attenuation of the recruitment of BM‐derived c‐kit+ cells by sildenafil may provide novel therapeutic insights into the control of pulmonary remodelling.
Commentary: Are we expecting too much from the extreme male brain theory of autism? A reflection on Kung et al. (2016)
Authors: Whitehouse Andrew J. O. 
Published: November 2016

Kung et al. (2016) contribute further evidence demonstrating no clear link between prenatal androgen exposure and the autism phenotype. Do these findings represent a nail in the coffin for the extreme male brain (EMB) theory of autism, or are we simply asking too much of the hypothesis? This commentary highlights the inconsistent findings that have appeared to undermine the EMB theory, but presents an argument that the data may not present an adequate test of the hypothesis. A research agenda is then outlined – the investigation of simple behavioural traits rather than the full combination of ASD behaviours – which may provide greater clarity as to how prenatal androgen exposure relates to developmental psychopathology.
Sexual isolation promotes divergence between parapatric lake and stream stickleback
Authors: Berner D. , Ammann M. , Spencer E. , Rüegg A. , Lüscher D. , Moser D. 
Published: November 2016

AbstractSpeciation can be initiated by adaptive divergence between populations in ecologically different habitats, but how sexually based reproductive barriers contribute to this process is less well understood. We here test for sexual isolation between ecotypes of threespine stickleback fish residing in adjacent lake and stream habitats in the Lake Constance basin, Central Europe. Mating trials exposing females to pairings of territorial lake and stream males in outdoor mesocosms allowing for natural reproductive behaviour reveal that mating occurs preferentially between partners of the same ecotype. Compared to random mating, this sexual barrier reduces gene flow between the ecotypes by some 36%. This relatively modest strength of sexual isolation is surprising because comparing the males between the two ecotypes shows striking differentiation in traits generally considered relevant to reproductive behaviour (body size, breeding coloration, nest size). Analysing size differences among the individuals in the mating trials further indicates that assortative mating is not related to ecotype differences in body size. Overall, we demonstrate that sexually based reproductive isolation promotes divergence in lake–stream stickleback along with other known reproductive barriers, but we also caution against inferring strong sexual isolation from the observation of strong population divergence in sexually relevant traits.
Can alternative mating tactics facilitate introgression across a hybrid zone by circumventing female choice?
Authors: Stewart K. A. , Hudson C. M. , Lougheed S. C. 
Published: November 2016

AbstractReproductive barriers and divergence in species’ mate recognition systems underlie major models of speciation. However, hybridization between divergent species is common, and classic mechanisms to explain permeable reproductive barriers rarely consider how an individual may attain reproductive success. Alternative mating tactics (AMTs) exist in various forms across animal taxa. Such tactics may allow poorer quality individuals to gain mating opportunities and facilitate introgression either through asymmetrical positive selection or by circumventing female choice altogether in areas of secondary contact. One such tactic is satellite behaviour in frogs, where silent males perch near advertisers in an attempt to intercept females. To test whether such satellite male tactics are context‐dependent and favoured by hybrids, we genotyped and quantified the morphology of 80 male spring peeper (Pseudacris crucifer) individuals involved in caller–satellite associations from a secondary contact zone between two intraspecific mitochondrial lineages. Irrespective of population, satellite behaviour was best predicted by size but not body condition. Within the contact zone, pure individuals showed a significantly greater probability of being active callers, whereas hybrids of one lineage were more likely to adopt the satellite tactic. We suggest that satellite behaviour in P. crucifer promotes introgression, breaks down reproductive isolating barriers and contributes to asymmetrical introgression in this secondary contact zone. AMTs may thus be an underexplored but important alternative to oft‐discussed causes of genetic discordance found in hybrid zones.
The application of Lean Six Sigma methodology to reduce the risk of healthcare–associated infections in surgery departments
Authors: Montella Emma , Di Cicco Maria Vincenza , Ferraro Anna , Centobelli Piera , Raiola Eliana , Triassi Maria , Improta Giovanni 
Published: November 2016

AbstractRationaleNowadays, the monitoring and prevention of healthcare–associated infections (HAIs) is a priority for the healthcare sector.Aims and objectivesIn this article, we report on the application of the Lean Six Sigma (LSS) methodology to reduce the number of patients affected by sentinel bacterial infections who are at risk of HAI.MethodsThe LSS methodology was applied in the general surgery department by using a multidisciplinary team of both physicians and academics. Data on more than 20 000 patients who underwent a wide range of surgical procedures between January 2011 and December 2014 were collected to conduct the study using the departmental information system. The most prevalent sentinel bacteria were determined among the infected patients. The preintervention (January 2011 to December 2012) and postintervention (January 2013 to December 2014) phases were compared to analyze the effects of the methodology implemented. The methodology allowed the identification of variables that influenced the risk of HAIs and the implementation of corrective actions to improve the care process, thereby reducing the percentage of infected patients.ResultsThe improved process resulted in a 20% reduction in the average number of hospitalization days between preintervention and control phases, and a decrease in the mean (SD) number of days of hospitalization amounted to 36 (15.68), with a data distribution around 3 σ. The LSS is a helpful strategy that ensures a significant decrease in the number of HAIs in patients undergoing surgical interventions. The implementation of this intervention in the general surgery departments resulted in a significant reduction in both the number of hospitalization days and the number of patients affected by HAIs.ConclusionsThis approach, together with other tools for reducing the risk of infection (surveillance, epidemiological guidelines, and training of healthcare personnel), could be applied to redesign and improve a wide range of healthcare processes.