bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Forest edge orientation influences leaf‐cutting ant abundance and plant drought stress in the Brazilian Atlantic forest
Authors: da Silva Jônatas L. G. , de Holanda Silva Isabelle L. , Ribeiro‐Neto José D. , Wirth Rainer , Leal Inara R. 
Published: November 2017

Abstract
The release from bottom‐up control is a key process promoting the proliferation of leaf‐cutting ants (LCA) along neotropical rainforest edges. Considering the preference of LCA for drought‐stressed plants, edge‐induced drought‐stress in plants could be one of the mechanisms behind this bottom‐up response. We hypothesized that plants growing along the forest edge suffer higher levels of drought stress, which makes them a more suitable food resource for LCA and affects LCA colony density in a Brazilian Atlantic rainforest remnant. Additionally, we investigated whether this effect is stronger in north‐facing edges because the radiation load is higher in this edge aspect in the southern hemisphere.
We examined LCA colony density and plant relative water content (RWC) by relating them to edge distance and edge orientation.
We recorded 57 LCA colonies in which the density showed an approximately six‐fold increase within the first 50 m of the forest compared with distances > 150 m. North‐facing edges presented an approximately four‐fold higher colony density compared with other edge aspects. Among the 296 plant individuals sampled, the average RWC was unrelated to edge distance, although plants growing near north‐facing edges had approximately 10% lower RWC values compared with in south‐facing edges. We also found that, considering edge orientation, the lower the average RWC, the higher the LCA colony density.
We conclude that drought stress‐induced osmoregulation of plants varies with edge orientation and also that LCA may profit from changes in leaf quality in terms of an increased population density along edges, where plant individuals face higher drought stress levels.
General health and well‐being among primary care patients aged 75+ years: Associations with living conditions, oral health and dependency
Authors: Brennan David S , Keuskamp Dominic , Balasubramanian Madhan , Amarasena Najith 
Published: November 2017

ObjectiveOur aim was to examine the associations between general health and well‐being with living conditions, oral health and degree of dependency.MethodsWe surveyed people from a primary care service and collected data on sociodemographic characteristics, general health, health utility, well‐being, activities, living conditions and oral health impact.ResultsOverall, 459 participated (78% response rate). Poor general health was associated with decreased instrumental activities of daily living scores (18% of those with poor general health were independent vs 60% with good general health). Greater oral health impact was also related to poor general health. Health utility was lower for some dependency, for renting and oral health impact. Well‐being was also lower for some dependency, for renting, not speaking English and oral health impact.ConclusionIn addition to the well‐known association of poor general health with dependency, our results also illustrate the potential importance of living conditions and oral health.
Gluten sensitivities and the allergist: Threshing the grain from the husks
Authors: Burkhardt J. G. , Chapa‐Rodriguez A. , Bahna S. L. 
Published: November 2017

Abstract“Gluten sensitivity” has become commonplace among the public. Wheat allergy (WA) and celiac disease (CD) are well‐defined entities, but are becoming a fraction of individuals following a gluten‐free diet (GFD). Wheat allergy has a prevalence of <0.5%. Wheat, specifically its omega‐5 gliadin fraction, is the most common allergen implicated in food‐dependent, exercise‐induced anaphylaxis. CD is a non‐IgE hypersensitivity to certain cereal proteins: gluten in wheat, secalin in rye, hordein in barley, and to a lesser extent avenin in oat. It is a rare disease, with an estimated prevalence that varied widely geographically, being higher in Northern Europe and the African Saharawi region than in South‐East Asia. In addition to suggestive symptoms, serologic testing has high diagnostic reliability and biopsy is a confirmatory procedure. Patients with CD have extra‐intestinal autoimmune comorbid conditions more frequently than expected. A third entity is nonceliac gluten sensitivity, which has been created because of the increasing number of subjects who claim a better quality of life or improvement of their variety of symptoms on switching to a GFD. The phenomenon is being fueled by the media and exploited by the industry. The lack of a specific objective test has been raising substantial controversy about this entity. Allergists and gastroenterologists need to pay attention to the multitudes of individuals who elect to follow a GFD. Many such subjects might have WA, CD, or another illness. Providing them with appropriate evaluation and specific management would be of great advantages, medically and economically.
GABAB receptors in neocortical and hippocampal pyramidal neurons are coupled to different potassium channels
Authors: Breton Jean‐Didier , Stuart Greg J. 
Published: November 2017

AbstractClassically, GABAB receptors are thought to regulate neuronal excitability via G‐protein‐coupled inwardly rectifying potassium (GIRK) channels. Recent data, however, indicate that GABAB receptors can also activate two‐pore domain potassium channels. Here, we investigate which potassium channels are coupled to GABAB receptors in rat neocortical layer 5 and hippocampal CA1 pyramidal neurons. Bath application of the non‐specific GIRK channel blocker barium (200 μm) abolished outward currents evoked by GABAB receptors in CA1 pyramidal, but only partially blocked GABAB responses in layer 5 neurons. Layer 5 and CA1 pyramidal neurons also showed differential sensitivity to tertiapin‐Q, a specific GIRK channel blocker. Tertiapin‐Q partially blocked GABAB responses in CA1 pyramidal neurons, but was ineffective in blocking GABAB responses in neocortical layer 5 neurons. Consistent with the idea that GABAB receptors are coupled to two‐pore domain potassium channels, the non‐specific blockers quinidine and bupivacaine partially blocked GABAB responses in both layer 5 and CA1 neurons. Finally, we show that lowering external pH, as occurs in hypoxia, blocks the component of GABAB responses mediated by two‐pore domain potassium channels in neocortical layer 5 pyramidal neurons, while at the same time revealing a GIRK channel component. These data indicate that GABAB receptors in neocortical layer 5 and hippocampal CA1 pyramidal neurons are coupled to different channels, with this coupling pH dependent on neocortical layer 5 pyramidal neurons. This pH dependency may act to maintain constant levels of GABAB inhibition during hypoxia by enhancing GIRK channel function following a reduction in two‐pore domain potassium channel activity.
CGRP and PTX3 as Predictors of Efficacy of Onabotulinumtoxin Type A in Chronic Migraine: An Observational Study
Authors: Domínguez Clara , Vieites‐Prado Alba , Pérez‐Mato María , Sobrino Tomás , Rodríguez‐Osorio Xiana , López Ana , Campos Francisco , Martínez Francisco , Castillo José , Leira Rogelio 
Published: November 2017

ObjectiveThe aim of this study is to find a relation between several biomarkers in peripheral blood and outcome after treatment with onabotulinumtoxin A (OnabotA).BackgroundOnabotA is an effective treatment in chronic migraine (CM). Different studies have tried to find predictors of response to treatment, either with clinical characteristics, neuroimaging features, or molecular biomarkers; however, it is still not possible to predict the individual outcome.MethodsWe measured serum levels of biomarkers of inflammation (IL‐6, IL‐10, TNF‐α, and hs‐CRP), endothelial dysfunction (PTX3 and sTWEAK), blood‐brain barrier disruption (cFN), brain damage (S100b, NSE), and trigemino‐vascular activation (CGRP) by ELISA in a group of CM patients treated with OnabotA and healthy controls. After 24 weeks, patients were classified in two groups according to their outcome considering variations in headache frequency: nonresponders (nonimprovement or improvement <50%) and responders (improvement >50%). We compared baseline levels of biomarkers between these groups.ResultsSixty‐two patients diagnosed with CM (IHS 2013 criteria) who fulfilled criteria for treatment with OnabotA and 24 healthy controls were included. Fifteen patients did not respond to treatment (24.2%) and 47 were responders (75.8%). Pentraxin 3 (PTX3) serum levels (1455.4 ± 487.5 pg/mL versus 720.3 ± 334.1 pg/mL, P < .0001) and calcitonin gene‐related peptide (CGRP) serum levels (133.1 ± 86.6 ng/mL versus 58.2 ± 91.7 ng/mL, P = .004) were significantly higher in responders than nonresponders. Serum basal levels of PTX3 >1000 pg/mL (AUC 0.908; 95% CI: 0.827‐0.990) and CGRP >50 ng/mL (AUC 0.800; 95% CI: 0.652‐0.947) were associated with good response to OnabotA treatment.ConclusionsThese results show that molecular markers of trigeminovascular activation (CGRP) and endothelial dysfunction (PTX3) are associated with response to OnabotA and may act as new biomarkers for the selection of treatment in chronic migraineurs.
Magnesium in Migraine Prophylaxis—Is There an Evidence‐Based Rationale? A Systematic Review
Authors: von Luckner Alexander , Riederer Franz 
Published: November 2017

ObjectiveThe primary objective was to systematically evaluate the existing evidence base on magnesium in migraine prophylaxis.MethodsThe search for clinical trials published from 1990 to 2016 was separately conducted by AvL and FR using standard search terms as well as MeSh terms on PubMed and EMBASE. Randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled trials investigating prophylactic magnesium administration in migraineurs aged 18‐65 were considered eligible. In a mutual effort, the studies found were sorted and analyzed under consideration of the guidelines for controlled trials for drugs in migraine by the International Headache Society and using predefined eligibility criteria. The resulting clinical trials were jointly analyzed by FR and AvL applying the evidence classification scheme by the American Academy of Neurology and the Cochrane bias tool to assess the evidence‐base. In accordance with the guidelines for controlled trials, the number of migraine days and number of migraine attacks were chosen as primary efficacy parameters. The present review was not registered.ResultsOut of 204 search results, five clinical trials fulfilling the selection procedure were found. One out of two Class I evidence trials showed a significant reduction of the number of migraine attacks compared with placebo, while two out of three Class III trials evinced a statistically significant reduction of the primary efficacy parameters compared with placebo.ConclusionThis systematic review provides Grade C (possibly effective) evidence for prevention of migraine with magnesium. Prophylactic treatment of migraine by means of high levels of magnesium dicitrate (600 mg) seems to be a safe and cost efficient strategy in clinical use.
Health information needs of pregnant women: information sources, motives and barriers
Authors: Kamali Sudabeh , Ahmadian Leila , Khajouei Reza , Bahaadinbeigy Kambiz 
Published: November 2017

AbstractBackgroundPregnant women should be provided with relevant and useful information to manage this specific period of their lives. Assessing information needs of this group is a prerequisite for providing this information.ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to assess the information needs of pregnant women during their pregnancy and childbirth.MethodsThis descriptive study was conducted on the pregnant women who attended antenatal clinics and obstetricians/gynaecologists’ offices in Kerman, Iran, in 2015. Data were collected using a self‐administered, valid and reliable questionnaire. A total of 400 women participated in the study.FindingsMost pregnant women needed information about care of the foetus (n = 344, 86%), physical and psychological complications after delivery (n = 333, 83%), development and growth of the foetus (n = 330, 82.5%), pregnancy nutrition (n = 327, 82%) and special tests during pregnancy (n = 326, 81.5%). They mostly (n = 195, 49%) looked for information when they were suffering from a disease or pregnancy complications.ConclusionsAs pregnant women need extensive information to be able to take care of themselves and their babies, their information needs should be identified and taken into consideration when planning educational programmes for this group of women.
Lonicera japonica Thunb. extract improves the quality of cold‐stored porcine patty through inhibition of lipid and myofibrillar protein oxidation
Authors: Jiao Ming , Zhao Mouming , Lin Lianzhu , Wang Yong 
Published: November 2017

SummaryThe aim of this work was to analyse the honeysuckle extract (HE) for its in vitro antioxidant activity using the ORAC, reducing power, DPPH and ABTS assays. The effects of HE on the quality characteristics and physicochemical properties of porcine patties during refrigerated storage at 4 °C were studied. Chlorogenic acid contributed about 50% to the antioxidant activity of HE. HE possessing strong antioxidant activity was incorporated into porcine patties at 0.02%, 0.1% and 0.5% concentrations and compared with 0.02% and 0.1% chlorogenic acid as references. The addition of 0.1% HE and chlorogenic acid significantly reduced the loss of hardness, springiness, chewiness and cohesiveness of porcine patties in terms of inhibition of lipid oxidation, formation of protein carbonyls, generation of covalent bonds and tryptophan loss during 15 days of chilled storage. HE could be used in porcine patty as a natural antioxidant.
The major cellulases CBH‐1 and CBH‐2 ofNeurospora crassarely on distinct ER cargo adaptors for efficient ER‐exit
Authors: Starr Trevor L. , Gonçalves A. Pedro , Meshgin Neeka , Glass N. Louise 
Published: November 2017

SummaryFilamentous fungi are native secretors of lignocellulolytic enzymes and are used as protein‐producing factories in the industrial biotechnology sector. Despite the importance of these organisms in industry, relatively little is known about the filamentous fungal secretory pathway or how it might be manipulated for improved protein production. Here, we useNeurospora crassaas a model filamentous fungus to interrogate the requirements for trafficking of cellulase enzymes from the endoplasmic reticulum to the Golgi. We characterized the localization and interaction properties of the p24 and ERV‐29 cargo adaptors, as well as their role in cellulase enzyme trafficking. We find that the two most abundantly secreted cellulases, CBH‐1 and CBH‐2, depend on distinct ER cargo adaptors for efficient exit from the ER. CBH‐1 depends on the p24 proteins, whereas CBH‐2 depends on theN. crassahomolog of yeast Erv29p. This study provides a first step in characterizing distinct trafficking pathways of lignocellulolytic enzymes in filamentous fungi.
Convergent and divergent evolution in carnivorous pitcher plant traps
Authors: Thorogood Chris J. , Bauer Ulrike , Hiscock Simon J. 
Published: November 2017

ContentsSummary1035I.Introduction1035II.Evolution of the pitcher1036III.Convergent evolution1036IV.Divergent evolution1038V.Adaptive radiation and speciation1040VI.Conclusions and perspectives1040Acknowledgements1040References1040SummaryThe pitcher trap is a striking example of convergent evolution across unrelated carnivorous plant lineages. Convergent traits that have evolved across pitcher plant lineages are essential for trap function, suggesting that key selective pressures are in action. Recent studies have also revealed patterns of divergent evolution in functional pitcher morphology within genera. Adaptations to differences in local prey assemblages may drive such divergence and, ultimately, speciation. Here, we review recent research on convergent and divergent evolution in pitcher plant traps, with a focus on the genusNepenthes, which we propose as a new model for research into adaptive radiation and speciation.
Characterization of sweat induced with pilocarpine, physical exercise, and collected passively by metabolomic analysis
Authors: Souza S. L. , Graça G. , Oliva A. 
Published: November 2017

AbstractBackground/purposeThe elimination of the pain associated with needle picking is a strong motivation for the development of clinical non‐invasive diagnostic methods. Sweat has been described as an alternative biological sample that may have a direct relation to the plasma composition.Materials and methodsIn this study, analysis of sweat of human volunteers obtained by induction with pilocarpine is compared with sweat samples obtained by physical exercise and by passive collection along 7 hours. The sweat samples have been analyzed by 1H nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy.ResultsA range of 34 different metabolites has been detected in sweat samples, including lactate, several amino acids, pyroglutamate, and urocanate. Most of the metabolites identified were quantified. The majority of the amino acids detected in sweat seem to have origin in the epidermis surface. No significant differences in sweat samples from female and male were observed by 1H NMR metabolomic analysis.ConclusionsPrincipal component analysis (PCA) shows that both physical exercise and pilocarpine methods seem to be equally reproducible methods in terms of sweat metabolite composition presenting better repeatability than natural sweat collection. Nevertheless, this difference is mainly originated from amino acids with origin from the skin surface.
Neurodevelopmental outcome of HIV‐exposed but uninfected infants in the Mother and Infants Health Study, Cape Town, South Africa
Authors: Springer Priscilla E. , Slogrove Amy L. , Laughton Barbara , Bettinger Julie A. , Saunders Henriëtte H. , Molteno Christopher D. , Kruger Mariana 
Published: November 2017

AbstractObjectivesTo compare neurodevelopmental outcomes of HIV‐exposed uninfected (HEU) and HIV‐unexposed uninfected (HUU) infants in a peri‐urban South African population. HEU infants living in Africa face unique biological and environmental risks, but uncertainty remains regarding their neurodevelopmental outcome. This is partly due to lack of well‐matched HUU comparison groups needed to adjust for confounding factors.MethodsThis was a prospective cohort study of infants enrolled at birth from a low‐risk midwife obstetric facility. At 12 months of age, HEU and HUU infant growth and neurodevelopmental outcomes were compared. Growth was evaluated as WHO weight‐for‐age, length‐for‐age, weight‐for‐length and head‐circumference‐for‐age Z‐scores. Neurodevelopmental outcomes were evaluated using the Bayley scales of Infant Development III (BSID) and Alarm Distress Baby Scale (ADBB).ResultsFifty‐eight HEU and 38 HUU infants were evaluated at 11–14 months of age. Performance on the BSID did not differ in any of the domains between HEU and HUU infants. The cognitive, language and motor scores were within the average range (US standardised norms). Seven (12%) HEU and 1 (2.6%) HUU infant showed social withdrawal on the ADBB (P = 0.10), while 15 (26%) HEU and 4 (11%) HUU infants showed decreased vocalisation (P = 0.06). There were no growth differences. Three HEU and one HUU infant had minor neurological signs, while eight HEU and two HUU infants had macrocephaly.ConclusionsAlthough findings on the early neurodevelopmental outcome of HEU infants are reassuring, minor differences in vocalisation and on neurological examination indicate a need for reassessment at a later age.
Differential contribution of interleukin‐10 promoter variants in malaria and schistosomiasis mono‐ and co‐infections among Nigerian children
Authors: Adedoja Ayodele , Hoan Nghiem Xuan , van Tong Hoang , Adukpo Selorme , Tijani Deborah B. , Akanbi Ajibola A. , Meyer Christian G. , Ojurongbe Olusola , Velavan Thirumalaisamy P. 
Published: November 2017

AbstractObjectiveInterleukin‐10 (IL‐10) is an anti‐inflammatory cytokine produced by Th1 cells and macrophages. The rationale of this study was to examine and validate possible contributions of IL‐10 promoter polymorphisms in sub‐Saharan Africa in children infected with either Plasmodium falciparum or Schistosoma haematobium and in children co‐infected with both parasites.Materials and MethodsA total of 309 Nigerian children aged 4–15 years were recruited. The study group consisted of individuals infected either with P. falciparum (n = 76) or S. haematobium (n = 94) in mono‐infections, a group of children co‐infected with both P. falciparum and S. haematobium (n = 62) and matched healthy controls (n = 77). The IL‐10 promoter polymorphisms ‐1082G/A, ‐819C/T and ‐592C/A were genotyped by direct sequencing.ResultsThe frequencies of the IL‐10 ‐1082GG genotype, the ‐1082G allele and haplotype GCC (positions ‐1082, ‐819 and ‐592) were higher in children infected with P. falciparum than in healthy controls, indicating that the ‐1082GG genotype and the ‐1082G allele and the GCC haplotype are associated with increased susceptibility to malaria infection (OR = 3.4, 95% CI = 1.2–10.8, P = 0.02; OR = 2.5, 95% CI = 1.1–3.4, P = 0.02; OR = 3.8, 95% CI = 2.0–7.2, P = 0.0001, respectively). Children with the ‐1082GG genotype had a higher parasitaemia than children with the ‐1082AA or ‐1082AG genotypes (P = 0.0017). Haplotype GCC occurred more frequently in children infected with S. haematobium, while haplotype GTA was less frequent than in controls (OR = 2.2, 95% CI = 1.2–4.4, P = 0.017 and OR = 0.1, 95% CI = 0.02–0.5, P = 0.0004, respectively). No differences in the frequencies of IL‐10 promoter polymorphisms were observed between children with P. falciparum–S. haematobium co‐infections and healthy controls.ConclusionAlthough IL‐10 promoter polymorphisms are not associated with P. falciparum and S. haematobium co‐infection, variant ‐1082G/A and haplotype GCC are associated with malaria, whereas the IL‐10 haplotypes GCC and GTA are associated with schistosomiasis.
Multi‐Scale Contingencies During Individual and Joint Action
Authors: Scott Jordan J. , Schloesser Daniel S. , Bai Jiuyang , Abney Drew 
Published: November 2017

AbstractThe present paper describes a joint action paradigm in which individuals or pairs utilized two computer keys to keep a dot stimulus moving inside a larger rectangle. Members of a pair could neither see nor hear each other. This paradigm allowed us to combine the discrete‐trial type dependent variables (e.g., reaction time) commonly utilized by representational theorists, with the continuous, temporal dependence variables (e.g., RQA) utilized by dynamical theorists. Analysis revealed that individuals kept the dot in the rectangle longer than dyads and did so by moving it back and forth within the rectangle. Dyads, however, pressed their individual buttons as quickly as possible in order to keep the dot near the middle of the rectangle. These findings indicate that joint action constitutes a multi‐scale phenomena that is best investigated via multiple, complementary methodologies versus single‐measure, competing theories.