bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Measuring ecological specialization along a natural stress gradient using a set of complementary niche breadth indices
Authors: Carboni Marta , Zelený David , Acosta Alicia T.R. 
Published: May 2016

AbstractAimsEcological specialization refers to a restricted ecological niche breadth for a species, resulting from the trade‐off between range of the resources it can exploit and efficacy in exploiting a specific resource. One hypothesis predicts that specialist species should be dominant in stressful environments, whereas generalist species should be dominant at less extreme environmental gradients. An alternative hypothesis states that specialization should be favoured in stable systems, and that ecological disturbances should affect specialist species negatively. These hypotheses have been poorly tested. Mediterranean coastal dune systems are characterized by strong sea–inland environmental gradients, ideal for tackling this challenge. We ask: (1) is distribution of specialist and generalist plant species related to this gradient; and (2) do different specialization indices indicate congruent or complementary patterns?LocationCoastal dune systems of central Italy.MethodsWe used data on plant species cover in 570 community plots at varying distance from the sea. We quantified species specialization, following three approaches related to resource use or to ecological impact, based on: (1) variability of measured environmental values (or a proxy); (2) variability of co‐occurring species; (3) variability of community‐weighted trait means. We first compared specialization indices across different habitats of the coastal dune zonation. We then analysed the patterns of variation of communities’ mean specialization values along the sea–inland stress gradient. Finally, we studied congruencies and mismatches among different indices.ResultsWe found significant variation in the degree of specialization along the gradient, across several indices. Habitats closer to the sea and under greater stress held higher proportions of specialized species and had higher average specialization levels. Sheltered backdune habitats harboured both generalist and specialist species, but were dominated by generalists.ConclusionsWe conclude that specialist species tend to dominate in the most extreme environmental conditions, but are subordinate in milder conditions. We found a certain degree of congruence among different indices, indicating that most species that are specialists in their resource use also tend to have specialized impacts in the community. Nevertheless, the indices also provided complementary information, suggesting it is important to consider multiple niche dimensions in order to assess more robust patterns of specialism and generalism.
On‐treatment HCV RNA as a predictor of sustained virological response in HCV genotype 3–infected patients treated with daclatasvir and sofosbuvir
Authors: Kowdley Kris V. , Nelson David R. , Lalezari Jacob P. , Box Terry , Gitlin Norman , Poleynard Gary , Rabinovitz Mordechai , Ravendhran Natarajan , Sheikh Aasim M. , Siddique Asma , Bhore Rafia , Noviello Stephanie , Rana Khurram 
Published: May 2016

AbstractBackground and AimsMany currently available direct‐acting antiviral (DAA) regimens are less effective against HCV genotype 3 than against other HCV genotypes. The all‐oral, pangenotypic DAA combination of daclatasvir (NS5A inhibitor) + sofosbuvir (nucleotide NS5B inhibitor) was studied in genotype 3–infected treatment‐naive and ‐experienced patients (ALLY‐3) who achieved rates of sustained virological response at post‐treatment Week 12 (SVR12) of 90 and 86% respectively. In this analysis, we assessed whether on‐treatment responses to daclatasvir + sofosbuvir in genotype 3–infected patients could predict treatment outcome.MethodsIn ALLY‐3, treatment‐naive and ‐experienced patients, with or without cirrhosis, were treated with daclatasvir + sofosbuvir for 12 weeks. HCV RNA kinetics and categorical virological responses on treatment were assessed. The proportions of responders and nonresponders by study week, and time to first undetectable HCV RNA, were analysed for utility in predicting treatment outcome.ResultsOverall, HCV RNA levels declined rapidly during Week 1 of treatment in both treatment‐naive and ‐experienced cohorts. Although patients with cirrhosis had a slower initial virological response as measured by the proportion of patients with HCV RNA below the lower limit of quantification at Week 1, responses converged thereafter. Positive and negative predictive values calculated for on‐treatment responses were generally comparable with the overall SVR12 rate and were therefore limited indicators of outcome. SVR12 rates were not impacted by time to first undetectable HCV RNA.ConclusionsOn‐treatment responses are not useful predictors of ultimate virological response to the daclatasvir + sofosbuvir regimen.
Postinfectious and sporadic functional gastrointestinal disorders have different prevalences and rates of overlap: results from a controlled cohort study 3 years after acute giardiasis
Authors: Wensaas K. A. , Hanevik K. , Hausken T. , Eide G. E. , Langeland N. , Mørch K. , Rortveit G. 
Published: May 2016

AbstractBackgroundIrritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common complication following gastroenteritis, and a high prevalence of postgiardiasis IBS has previously been reported. This study aims to investigate the prevalence, adjusted relative risk (RRadj), and overlap of different functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGID) according to Rome III criteria following infection with Giardia lamblia.MethodsAll patients ≥18 years of age with verified giardiasis during an outbreak in 2004, and a control group matched by age and gender, were mailed a questionnaire 3 years later.Key ResultsThe prevalence of functional dyspepsia (FD) was 25.9% in the exposed and 6.9% in the control group, RRadj: 3.9 (95% confidence intervals [CI]: 3.1–4.8). The prevalence of IBS was 47.9% and 14.3%, respectively, with RRadj: 3.4 (95% CI: 3.0–3.8). Prevalence of other gastrointestinal symptoms ranged from 70.0% vs 39.7% for bloating (RRadj: 1.8) to 8.3% vs 2.9% for nausea (RRadj: 3.0) in the Giardia and the control group, respectively. Among individuals fulfilling criteria for IBS 44% in the exposed group and 29% in the control group also fulfilled criteria for FD. IBS subtypes based on Rome III criteria (stool consistency) showed poor agreement with subtypes based on frequency of bowel movements (Kappa‐values: 0.17 and 0.27).Conclusions & InferencesThere were high prevalences and RRs of IBS, FD and other gastrointestinal symptoms following acute giardiasis, and a high degree of overlap between the disorders. The agreement between different IBS subtype criteria varied, and there were also differences between the exposed and control group.
Contained density currents with high volume of release
Authors: Theiler Quentin , Franca Mário J. 
Published: May 2016

AbstractContained density currents with high volume of release reflect against the boundaries of the reception environment commonly leading to oscillatory flow. These flows exist in sediment clarifiers, compromising their operations, and deposited signatures of contained turbidity currents are found as part of the infill of sedimentary basins; for operation of the former and interpretation of the latter it is essential to understand the dynamic processes of these flows. Six lock‐exchange experiments with different initial densities were made in a horizontal flume, where the volume of the saline mixture in the lock was equivalent to the volume of the ambient fluid. A further two tests, with a repeated initial density, were made: one with high volume of release and very long duration; and another with low volume of release. Firstly, the movement of the current is discussed, including the oscillations within the experimental tank involving the density current and an upper layer counter‐current. It is shown that the cyclic behaviour is self‐similar with the reduced gravity of the initial density in the lock. Secondly, entrainment and water mixing processes are characterized. The time evolution of mixing is characterized qualitatively by analysing the background potential energy of the density distributions to show that mixing occurs even in the earlier stages of the current, and mainly within the first cycle of the oscillation. Quantified analysis reveals that, in currents with high volume of release, entrainment discharge is one order of magnitude higher, mainly due to the larger interface between the ambient fluid and the current. A model for the evolution of the mixing process is proposed for density currents with high volume of release. Finally, the dynamics of the head of the current is analysed. The entrainment in the head, when compared to the entrainment in the remainder body of the flows, is less important for the configuration with a larger lock.
Progressive increase of resistance in Enterobacteriaceae urinary isolates from kidney transplant recipients over the past decade: narrowing of the therapeutic options
Authors: Origüen J. , Fernández‐Ruiz M. , López‐Medrano F. , Ruiz‐Merlo T. , González E. , Morales J.M. , Fiorante S. , San‐Juan R. , Villa J. , Orellana M.Á. , Andrés A. , Aguado J.M. 
Published: May 2016

AbstractBackgroundAntibiotic resistance is an emerging phenomenon in kidney transplantation (KT).MethodsWe compared species distribution and antimicrobial susceptibility patterns in 1052 isolates from urine cultures obtained in 2 different cohorts of kidney transplant recipients in a single center (Cohort A: 189 patients undergoing KT between January 2002 and December 2004 [336 isolates]; Cohort B: 115 patients undergoing KT between January 2011 and December 2013 [716 isolates]).ResultsAsymptomatic bacteriuria accounted for most of the isolates (86.9% in Cohort A and 92.3% in Cohort B). Klebsiella pneumoniae (9.5% vs. 15.6%), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (1.8% vs. 7.9%), and Enterobacter cloacae (0.6% vs. 3.1%) were significantly more common in Cohort B. The isolation of K. pneumoniae in Cohort B was associated with the occurrence of acute pyelonephritis (9.8% of all K. pneumoniae isolates vs. 2.8% of the remaining uropathogens; P = 0.001). Non‐susceptibility rates among Enterobacteriaceae in Cohort B were higher for every class of antibiotics (P ≤ 0.003) with the exception of fosfomycin. Compared to Cohort A, significant increases were seen in isolates from Cohort B for multidrug‐resistant (MDR) (43.9% vs. 67.8%, respectively; P = 0.001), extended‐spectrum beta‐lactamase (ESBL)‐producing (6.6% vs. 26.1%; P = 0.001), and carbapenemase‐producing Enterobacteriaceae strains (0.0% vs. 5.0%; P = 0.001). Such differences were mostly attributable to K. pneumoniae (as 54.5% and 13.4% of isolates in Cohort B were ESBL‐producing and carbapenemase‐producing, respectively). MDR isolates were responsible for 69.1% of episodes of symptomatic urinary tract infection in Cohort B.ConclusionThe increase in resistance rates among Enterobacteriaceae uropathogens is significant and may have an effect on KT programs.
Post‐renal transplant infections: single‐center experience from Nigeria
Authors: Iliyasu G. , Abdu A. , Dayyab F.M. , Tiamiyu A.B. , Habib Z.G. , Adamu B. , Habib A.G. 
Published: May 2016

AbstractBackgroundInfections are the leading cause of hospitalization and mortality in transplant recipients. Nigeria has a growing number of renal transplant recipients. The aim of this study was to determine the pattern of infections in renal allograft recipients in one of the major renal transplant centers in Nigeria.MethodsAll case records of renal allograft recipients on follow‐up were retrieved. Those that had infection at any time after transplantation were selected. Demographic and clinical information was collected and analyzed.ResultsThirty‐three case records were analyzed, out of which 24/33 (72.7%) were males, with a mean age of 42.3 years (± 7.38). The median duration of developing infection post transplant was 270 days (range 2–2190). Most of the infections occurred after 6 months in 15/33 (45.5%). Urinary tract infection was the most common infection, noted in 13/33 (39.4%), followed by pneumonia, which was seen in 12 (33.3%), 9/12 (75%) of which were culture‐positive. There were 2 cases (5.6%) of tuberculosis and 1 case (2.8%) of cytomegalovirus colitis. Out of the 9 culture‐positive pneumonia cases, 6 (66.7%) were caused by gram‐negative pathogens, with Pseudomonas aeruginosa being the most common isolate seen in 3/9 (33.3%) of the patients. Among those with urinary tract infection, Escherichia coli and Klebsiella species were isolated with equal proportion in 3/13 (23.1%), while Enterococcus faecalis was the most common isolate in 4/13 (30.8%). Overall infection‐related mortality was 10/33 (30.3%), out of which 5/10 (50%) of deaths were from pneumonia.ConclusionPost‐transplant infection surveillance must be strengthened. The role of multidrug‐resistant gram‐negative bacteria in post‐renal transplant infection in Nigeria needs to be evaluated.
Repression of callus initiation by the miRNA‐directed interaction of auxin–cytokinin in Arabidopsis thaliana
Authors: Liu Zhenhua , Li Juan , Wang Long , Li Qiang , Lu Qing , Yu Yanchong , Li Shuo , Bai Ming‐yi , Hu Yuxin , Xiang Fengning 
Published: May 2016

SummaryIn tissue culture systems plant cells can be induced to regenerate to whole plants. A particularly striking example of cellular reprogramming is seen in this regeneration process, which typically begins with the induction of an intermediate cell mass referred to as callus. The identity of the key genetic cues associated with callus formation is still largely unknown. Here a microRNA‐directed phytohormonal interaction is described which represses callus initiation and formation in Arabidopsis thaliana. miR160 and ARF10 (At2g28350), a gene encoding an auxin response factor, were shown to exhibit a contrasting pattern of transcription during callus initiation from pericycle‐like cells. The callus initiation is faster and more prolific in a miR160‐resistant form of ARF10 (mARF10), but slower and less prolific in the transgenic line over‐expressing miR160c (At5g46845), arf10 and arf10 arf16 mutants than that in the wild type. ARF10 repressed the expression of Arabidopsis Response Regulator15 (ARR15, At1g74890) via its direct binding to the gene's promoter. The loss of function of ARR15 enhanced callus initiation and partly rescued the phenotype induced by the transgene Pro35S:miR160c. Overexpression of ARR15 partly rescues the callus initiation defect of mARF10 plants. Our findings define miR160 as a key repressor of callus formation and reveal that the initiation of callus is repressed by miR160‐directed interaction between auxin and cytokinin.
Initial characterization of stiff skin‐like syndrome in West Highland white terriers
Authors: Doelle Maren , Linder Keith E. , Boche Janna , Jagannathan Vidhya , Leeb Tosso , Linek Monika 
Published: May 2016

BackgroundStiff skin syndrome and systemic or localized scleroderma are cutaneous disorders characterized by dermal fibrosis and present clinically with induration of the skin, with or without joint, internal organ or vascular involvement.ObjectivesTo provide clinical, histological and preliminary genetic analysis of two West Highland white terrier siblings presenting with indurated skin resembling stiff skin syndrome in humans.AnimalsTwo client owned full sibling West Highland white terriers from two different litters.MethodsClinical examination, histopathological examination and whole genome sequencing analysis of affected and unaffected West Highland white terriers.ResultsAffected dogs exhibited markedly indurated skin that was attached firmly to the underlying tissue and incomplete closure of the mouth and eyes. No abnormalities were found by neurological or orthopaedic examination, radiographs of the head or whole body computed tomography. Histologically, the dermis and pannicular septa were thickened by a marked increase in coarse collagen fibres and a mild to moderate increase in collagen fibre diameter. The syndrome most likely follows an autosomal recessive mode of inheritance. The sequence analysis did not reveal any obvious causative variant in the investigated candidate genes ADAMTSL2 and FBN1.Conclusion and clinical importanceThe clinical phenotype and histopathological features of two West Highland white terrier siblings resembled stiff skin syndrome in humans. Unlike in humans, or previously described beagles with stiff skin, there was no restriction of joint mobility. Genetic analysis did not detect a candidate causative variant and warrants further research.
Bowenoid in situ carcinomas in two Devon Rex cats: evidence of unusually aggressive neoplasm behaviour in this breed and detection of papillomaviral gene expression in primary and metastatic lesions
Authors: Munday John S. , Benfell Mike W. , French Adrienne , Orbell Geoff M.B. , Thomson Neroli 
Published: May 2016

BackgroundBowenoid in situ carcinomas (BISCs) are rare feline tumours that are thought to be caused by papillomavirus infection. Although they usually develop in old cats and are slowly progressive, multiple aggressive BISCs have been reported previously in a comparatively young Devon Rex cat.AnimalsA 5‐year‐old (Case 1) and an 8‐year‐old (Case 2) Devon Rex cat developed numerous BISCs. Rapid progression resulted in euthanasia of both cats after 8 months. A postmortem examination was possible only for Case 2 and revealed pulmonary metastases.Methods and resultsConsensus PCR amplified only Felis catus papillomavirus type 2 (FcaPV‐2) DNA from lesions from both cats. High FcaPV‐2 copy number and FcaPV‐2 E6/E7 gene expression were detected in a BISC from Case 1. High FcaPV‐2 copy number and FcaPV‐2 gene expression were detected in a BISC, a cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) and the pulmonary metastases from Case 2, but not in two other cutaneous SCCs.ConclusionsThe results provide additional evidence that BISCs develop at a younger age in Devon Rex cats and that BISCs in Devon Rex cats have a more aggressive behaviour than BISCs in other cat breeds. These unusual features should be considered when evaluating and treating skin disease in Devon Rex cats. The detection of FcaPV‐2 gene expression in the lung neoplasms suggests a potential role of FcaPV‐2 in the development of metastatic disease. However, the absence of FcaPV‐2 gene expression in two cutaneous SCCs suggests that other factors could have also promoted cancer development.
The Impact of Distraction on Laparoscopic Skills in Veterinary Medical Students
Authors: Kilkenny Jessica J. , Mrotz Victoria J. , Khosa Deep K. , Kerr Carolyn L. , Denstedt John D. , Singh Ameet 
Published: May 2016

ObjectiveTo investigate the impact of distraction on the performance of a simulator‐based laparoscopic task in veterinary students.Study DesignProspective, randomized trial.Sample Population: Years 1–4 veterinary students (n=41).MethodsParticipants repeated a simulated laparoscopic peg transfer task to eliminate any learning effects and were subsequently randomized to receive either a cognitive (double‐digit addition questions, n=21) or sensory distraction (dogs barking and anesthesia monitor alerts, n=20). The laparoscopic task scores were compared between baseline and in the presence and absence of each distraction. The number of addition questions attempted, and the number of questions answered correctly in 1 minute were compared between baseline and during a concurrent laparoscopic task.ResultsBaseline laparoscopic task scores were not significantly different between groups (P=.09). Laparoscopic task scores were significantly lower than baseline when performed with the cognitive distraction (P<.001) and significantly higher than baseline when performed with the sensory distraction (P=.005). Participants undergoing cognitive distraction attempted significantly fewer addition questions (P<.001) and answered significantly fewer addition questions correctly (P<.001) when a concurrent laparoscopic task was performed.ConclusionCognitive distraction had a negative impact on the performance of a laparoscopic task in this cohort of veterinary students, whereas sensory distraction had a positive effect.
As2O3 combined with leflunomide prolongs heart xenograft survival via suppressing the response of Th1, Th2, and B cells in a rat model
Authors: Jiao Zhi‐Xing , Leng Yun , Xia Jun‐Jie , Wu Hai‐Qiao , Jin Ning , Fu Jia‐Zhao , Cheng Lian‐Na , Wang Jin‐Hua , Ni Shao‐Bin , Qi Zhong‐Quan 
Published: May 2016

AbstractXenotransplantation remits the severe shortage of human organs and tissues for transplantation, which is a problem that severely limits the application of transplantation to the treatment of human disease. However, severe immune rejection significantly limits the efficacy of xenotransplantation. In this study, we systematically investigated the immunosuppressive effect and mechanism of action of As2O3 and leflunomide using a hamster‐to‐rat heart xenotransplantation model. We initially examined heart xenograft survival following As2O3 and leflunomide treatment alone or combined treatment. We found that treatment with As2O3 combined with leflunomide can significantly prolong the survival of heart xenograft by inhibiting Th1 and Th2 differentiation and reducing the production of IgG and IgM. Interestingly, As2O3 and leflunomide showed low toxicity to the organs of the recipient. Taken together, these observations indicate that treatment with As2O3 combined with leflunomide may be a promising immunosuppressive schedule for xenotransplantation.
Determinant Factors of Long-Term Performance Development in Young Swimmers
Authors: Morais Jorge E. , Silva António J. , Marinho Daniel A. , Lopes Vítor P. , Barbosa Tiago M. 
Published: May 2016

Purpose:To develop a performance predictor model based on swimmers’ biomechanical profile, relate the partial contribution of the main predictors with the training program, and analyze the time effect, sex effect, and time × sex interaction.Methods:91 swimmers (44 boys, 12.04 ± 0.81 y; 47 girls, 11.22 ± 0.98 y) evaluated during a 3-y period. The decimal age and anthropometric, kinematic, and efficiency features were collected 10 different times over 3 seasons (ie, longitudinal research). Hierarchical linear modeling was the procedure used to estimate the performance predictors.Results:Performance improved between season 1 early and season 3 late for both sexes (boys 26.9% [20.88;32.96], girls 16.1% [10.34;22.54]). Decimal age (estimate [EST] –2.05, P < .001), arm span (EST –0.59, P < .001), stroke length (EST 3.82; P = .002), and propelling efficiency (EST –0.17, P = .001) were entered in the final model.Conclusion:Over 3 consecutive seasons young swimmers’ performance improved. Performance is a multifactorial phenomenon where anthropometrics, kinematics, and efficiency were the main determinants. The change of these factors over time was coupled with the training plans of this talent identification and development program.