bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Species and functional diversity accumulate differently in mammals
Authors: Oliveira Brunno F. , Machac Antonin , Costa Gabriel C. , Brooks Thomas M. , Davidson Ana D. , Rondinini Carlo , Graham Catherine H. 
Published: June 2016

AbstractAimWhether the gradients of global diversity conform to equilibrium or non‐equilibrium dynamics remains an unresolved question in ecology and evolution. Here, we evaluate four prominent hypotheses which invoke either equilibrium (more individuals, niche diversity) or non‐equilibrium dynamics (diversification rate, evolutionary time) to explain species richness and functional diversity of mammals worldwide.LocationGlobal.MethodsWe combine structural equation modelling with simulations to examine whether species richness and functional diversity are in equilibrium with environmental conditions (climate, productivity) or whether they vary with non‐equilibrium factors (diversification rates, evolutionary time). We use the newest and most inclusive phylogenetic, distributional and trait data for mammals.ResultsWe find that species richness and functional diversity are decoupled across multiple regions of the world. While species richness correlates closely with environmental conditions, functional diversity depends mostly on non‐equilibrium factors (evolutionary time to overcome niche conservatism). Moreover, functional diversity plateaus with species richness, such that species‐rich regions (especially the Neotropics) host many species that are apparently functionally redundant.Main conclusionsWe conclude that species richness depends on environmental factors while functional diversity depends on the evolutionary history of the region. Our work further challenges the classic notion that highly productive regions host more species because they offer a great diversity of ecological niches. Instead, they suggest that productive regions offer more resources, which allow more individuals, populations and species to coexist within a region, even when the species are apparently functionally redundant (the more individuals hypothesis). Together these findings demonstrate how ecological (the total amount of resources) and evolutionary factors (time to overcome niche conservatism) might have interacted to generate the striking diversity of mammals and their life histories.
Elucidation of the Metabolic Network of Helicobacter pylori J99 and Malaysian Clinical Strains by Phenotype Microarray
Authors: Lee Woon Ching , Goh Khean Lee , Loke Mun Fai , Vadivelu Jamuna 
Published: June 2016

AbstractBackgroundHelicobacter pylori colonizes almost half of the human population worldwide. H. pylori strains are genetically diverse, and the specific genotypes are associated with various clinical manifestations including gastric adenocarcinoma, peptic ulcer disease (PUD), and nonulcer dyspepsia (NUD). However, our current knowledge of the H. pylori metabolism is limited. To understand the metabolic differences among H. pylori strains, we investigated four Malaysian H. pylori clinical strains, which had been previously sequenced, and a standard strain, H. pylori J99, at the phenotypic level.Materials and MethodsThe phenotypes of the H. pylori strains were profiled using the Biolog Phenotype Microarray system to corroborate genomic data. We initiated the analyses by predicting carbon and nitrogen metabolic pathways from the H. pylori genomic data from the KEGG database. Biolog PM aided the validation of the prediction and provided a more intensive analysis of the H. pylori phenomes.ResultsWe have identified a core set of metabolic nutrient sources that was utilized by all strains tested and another set that was differentially utilized by only the local strains. Pentose sugars are the preferred carbon nutrients utilized by H. pylori. The amino acids l‐aspartic acid, d‐alanine, and l‐asparagine serve as both carbon and nitrogen sources in the metabolism of the bacterium.ConclusionThe phenotypic profile based on this study provides a better understanding on the survival of H. pylori in its natural host. Our data serve as a foundation for future challenges in correlating interstrain metabolic differences in H. pylori.
Isolated Archosaur teeth from the green sandstone capping the Coralline Limestone (Bagh Group) of the Narmada valley: Evidence for the presence of pre‐Late to Late Maastrichtian abelisaurids in India
Authors: Prasad Guntupalli V.R. , Verma Vishal , Grover Pooja , Priyadarshini Rajkumari , Sahni Ashok , Lourembam Ranjit S. 
Published: June 2016

AbstractRecent field prospecting in the Cretaceous sequences of the lower Narmada valley has led to the discovery of three isolated archosaur teeth from the upper part of marine Cretaceous rocks of the Bagh Group. The specimens were recovered by surface prospecting from an oyster‐bearing green sandstone bed occurring at the top of the Coralline Limestone (Coniacian) from a site near Phutibawri village, Dhar District, Madhya Pradesh, India. Of the three teeth recovered from this horizon, two are identified with abelisaurid dinosaurs and the third one with an indeterminate crocodile. The abelisaurid teeth conform to the premaxillary and maxillary tooth morphology of Majungasaurus and Indosuchus. Earlier reports of abelisaurid dinosaurs from India are from the Upper Cretaceous (Maastrichtian) Lameta Group of Jabalpur, Pisdura (Central India) and Balasinor (Western India) and Upper Cretaceous (Late Maastrichtian) Kallamedu Formation (South India). As no associated age diagnostic fossils are found, the specimens described here are considered to represent pre‐Late to Late Maastrichtian age based on the known ages of the underlying and overlying formations. The new finds, therefore, document stratigraphically the oldest occurrence of abelisaurid dinosaurs known from the Indian subcontinent.
Comparison of dental hygienists and dentists: clinical and teledentistry identification of dental caries in children
Authors: Daniel SJ , Kumar S 
Published: June 2016

AbstractRationale for StudyTeledentistry is an effective and efficient means of increasing access to care for screening, referral and treatment. Practice restrictions and the undocumented concern that dental hygienists do not have the skill or knowledge to identify or diagnose a carious lesion impede access to care.PurposeThis study compared the identification of dental caries by both dental hygienists and dentists and by both clinical and teledentistry methods.MethodsA sample of 82 children 4–7 years of age attending an elementary school in Memphis, Tennessee, was selected for the study. Two clinical examiners, a dental hygienist and dentist, independently examined and charted dental caries and existing restorations separately on the children. Two teledentistry examiners, a dental hygienist and dentist, independently reviewed and charted dental caries and restorations from photographs obtained with the iPhone 4S. Dental charts for each child were converted to a decayed filled surface (DFS) score resulting in four scores for analyses.ResultsSeventy‐eight children met the inclusion criteria. The clinical dentist's and clinical dental hygienist's DFS scores resulted in Spearman's correlation of r = 0.99. Friedman's analysis of the four examiners' DFS scores found no significant difference (P > 0.10) between the teledentistry dental hygienist's and the clinical dentist's scores.ConclusionsA dental hygienist can identify dental caries in children 4–7 years of age from photographs as accurately as a dentist in the clinical setting.
Microcomputed tomographic evaluation of canal transportation and centring ability of ProTaper Next and Twisted File Adaptive systems
Authors: Silva E. J. N. L. , Pacheco P. T. , Pires F. , Belladonna F. G. , De‐Deus G. 
Published: June 2016

AbstractAimTo evaluate canal transportation and centring ability of ProTaper Next (PTN) and Twisted File Adaptive (TFA) systems using microcomputed tomographic (micro‐CT) imaging.MethodologyTwenty isthmus‐containing mesial roots of mandibular molars were anatomically matched based on similar morphological dimensions using micro‐CT evaluation (resolution of 14.25 μm) and assigned to two experimental groups (n = 10) according to the system used for root canal preparation: PTN and TFA groups. Then, the specimens were scanned again and the matched images of the mesial canals, before and after preparation, were examined at three cross‐section levels (3, 5 and 7 mm from the apical end of the root) to analyse canal transportation and centring ratio. Independent‐samples t‐test was used to compare canal transportation and centring ratio between the groups. All statistical procedures were performed with a significance level set at 5%.ResultsRoot canals prepared with either PTN or TFA systems had similar canal transportation and centring ratios at all levels (P > 0.05).ConclusionPTN and TFA had similar results regarding canal transportation and centring ability.
Establishing a rat model for the study of vitamin K deficiency
Authors: Mi Yanni , Xiao Xue , Liu Dongzheng , Ping Nana , Zhu Yanbing , Li Bo , Long Lihui , Cao Yongxiao 
Published: June 2016

SummaryThe main vitamin K‐deficient model, minidose warfarin, is different from the pathological mechanism of vitamin K deficiency, which is a shortage of vitamin K. The objective of this study was to establish a new method of vitamin K‐deficient model combining a vitamin K‐deficient diet with the intragastrical administration of gentamicin in rats. The clotting was assayed by an automated coagulation analyser. The plasma PIVKA‐II was assayed by ELISA. The vitamin K status was detected by an HPLC‐fluorescence system. In the diet‐ and gentamicin‐induced vitamin K‐deficient 14‐day group, the rats had undetected vitamin K1 and vitamin K2 in the liver and a prolonged APTT. In the 21‐day group, there was also a prolonged PT and a decrease of the FIX activities. In the 28‐day group, the undetected vitamin K1 and vitamin K2, the prolonged PT and APTT, and the decrease of the FII, FVII, FIX, and FX activities prompted the suggestion that there were serious deficiencies of vitamin K and vitamin K‐dependent coagulation in rats. It is suggested that the diet‐ and gentamicin‐induced vitamin K‐deficient 14‐day or 21‐day model can be used for studies related to the status of vitamin K. The vitamin K‐deficient 28‐day model can be applied to research involving both the status of vitamin K and of vitamin K‐dependent coagulation. In conclusion, the combination of a vitamin K‐deficient diet with the administration of gentamicin results in a useful model of vitamin K‐deficieny.
Androgen receptor splice variant 7 in castration‐resistant prostate cancer: Clinical considerations
Authors: Bryce Alan H , Antonarakis Emmanuel S 
Published: June 2016

AbstractConstitutively‐active ligand‐independent splice variants of the androgen receptor are an adaptive response by prostate cancer cells to escape androgen deprivation therapy and novel androgen receptor‐directed treatments. Androgen receptor splice variant 7 is the most common splice variant detected in clinical biospecimens, and emerging data now suggest that the presence of tumoral androgen receptor splice variant 7 might be indicative of primary and acquired resistance to next‐generation androgen pathway inhibitors, such as abiraterone and enzalutamide. At the same time, taxane chemotherapy might retain its efficacy regardless of androgen receptor splice variant 7 status, thus suggesting the potential for a predictive biomarker guiding treatment selection in men with metastatic castration‐resistant prostate cancer. Herein, we review the preclinical data elucidating the structure and function of androgen receptor splice variant 7, we describe the existing clinical data using this biomarker in metastatic castration‐resistant prostate cancer, and we highlight potential therapeutic strategies to target androgen receptor splice variant 7‐expressing prostate cancer.
Re‐defining the natural range of Scots Pine (Pinus sylvestrisL.): a newly discovered microrefugium in western Ireland
Authors: McGeever Alwynne H. , Mitchell Fraser J. G. 
Published: June 2016

AbstractAimNativePinus sylvestrisbecame extirpated in Ireland, during a massive population decline experienced throughout Europe. It was extensively replanted in Ireland during the 18th century from Scottish stock. We test the hypothesis thatP. sylvestrisin Rockforest Co. Clare did not become extirpated during theP. sylvestrisdecline, and persisted to present day independent of 18th century plantations.LocationRockforest, Co. Clare in Ireland.MethodsFossil pollen was counted from a terrestrial core. Radiocarbon dates and age‐depth modelling was used to ascertain the core chronology. Loss‐on‐ignition was carried out to investigate sediment accumulation history. Pollen was also counted from moss polster pollen traps to explore the deposition ofP. sylvestrispollen in the surrounding landscape. Historical maps were consulted to investigate the longevity of other nearbyP. sylvestrispopulations.ResultsA continuous record ofP. sylvestrisis reported. The core extends through the last two millennia, and reports a clear decline ofP. sylvestrisatc. 1550 calbp. TheP. sylvestrispollen curve recovers quickly after the decline event and persists at high levels up until the present day. The loss‐on‐ignition data reveal a stable accumulation of sediment with no major erosion events. The moss polster pollen traps show the core site is a suitable location for collecting pollen from the RockforestP. sylvestrispopulation. Historical maps demonstrate that none of the other nearbyP. sylvestrispopulations extends further back than plantations in the early 18th century.Main conclusionsThe population ofP. sylvestrisin Rockforest Co. Clare survived the regionalP. sylvestrisdecline, recovered and persisted right up to the present day, independent of introduction by human agency. Hence, we identify this microrefugium population of native Irish stock outside of the current understanding of the native range for this tree species.
Active tuberculosis in psoriasis patients treated with TNF antagonists: a French nationwide retrospective study
Authors: Guinard E. , Bulai Livideanu C. , Barthélémy H. , Viguier M. , Reguiai Z. , Richard M.A. , Jullien D. , Beneton N. , Bara C. , Vabres P. , Grandvuillemin A. , Marguery M.C. , Amelot F. , Konstantinou M.P. , Bagheri H. , Paul C. ,   the French Psoriasis Research Group
Published: June 2016

AbstractBackgroundThere is limited information about active tuberculosis (TB) occurring in psoriasis patients treated with Tumor necrosis factor (TNF) antagonists.ObjectiveTo describe the clinical characteristics of TB in psoriasis patients treated with TNF antagonists.MethodsNationwide retrospective study of psoriasis patients having experienced TB. Cases of TB were collected via three methods: search in the national pharmacosurveillance database, questionnaire to members of the French psoriasis research group, the college of French dermatology professors. We collected demographic data, TNF antagonist used, screening for latent tuberculosis infection, median time between TNF antagonists introduction and first symptoms, tests used for diagnosing TB infection, clinical features of tuberculosis and outcome.ResultsEight centres reported 12 cases of TB between 2006 and 2014. They were nine men and three women with mean age of 49 years. All patients had adequate screening for latent tuberculosis. Three patients had stayed in endemic areas, three reported contact with a patient with TB. Tuberculosis presentation was extrapulmonary in 10 patients. Seven patients were treated with infliximab, four with adalimumab and one with certolizumab. The median time between TNF antagonist introduction and first symptoms of tuberculosis was 23.4 weeks (2–176). Six of the 12 patients had a positive direct examination and/or positive culture for Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Histological samples of affected organs taken from seven patients showed granulomatous inflammation in six, with caseating necrosis in five. Two of the 12 patients died of disseminated TB.ConclusionThis study shows tuberculosis in patients treated with TNF antagonists still occurs despite adherence to tuberculosis prevention guidelines. Prophylactic measures do not fully prevent the occurrence of tuberculosis. Rapid initiation of effective anti‐tuberculosis treatment is important even in patients with negative mycobacteriological examination presenting with suggestive symptoms and organ involvement.
Epidemiology of basal and squamous cell carcinoma in Belgium: the need for a uniform and compulsory registration
Authors: Callens J. , Van Eycken L. , Henau K. , Garmyn M. 
Published: June 2016

AbstractBackgroundNon‐melanoma skin cancer (NMSC) is the most common type of cancer among Caucasians, however, few data exist on its incidence. Because of a sheer volume of these tumours, NMSC is often not systematically registered.ObjectiveTo describe and analyse the incidence of basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) in Belgium.MethodsIncidence data of BCC and SCC, including multiple primary skin tumours in the same patient, were extracted from the Belgian Cancer Registry from 2004 to 2012 (predominantly coming from pathology notifications). Belgian legislation makes cancer registration compulsory for oncological care programmes and for all pathological anatomy laboratories.ResultsBetween 2004 and 2012, 113 254 BCC and 33 153 SCC cases were reported in Belgium. A total of 130 339 patients had 146 407 tumours. Approximately, 10% of the patients (12 759 patients) had multiple tumours. The world age‐standardised incidence rate (WSR) for BCC increased from 36.9 in 2004 to 98.4 per 100 000 person years in 2012 for males and from 34.2 in 2004 to 102.0 in 2012 for females. For SCC, the WSR increased from 14.9 in 2004 to 24.7 in 2012 for males and from 6.8 in 2004 to 13.5 in 2012 for females.ConclusionsFrom 2004 to 2012, the incidence of BCC and SCC markedly rose in Belgium, as also seen worldwide. Known causes are increased sun exposure caused by changed sunlight‐related behaviour (increased outdoor activities and holidays, use of tanning beds and changes in clothing style), ageing and improved registration. Because of their high and increasing incidence, these cancers will have major implications on healthcare planning and preventive measures. Therefore, we recommend compulsory registration, whenever is possible, of BCC and SCC, although it is an ambitious objective, especially in countries with a high burden of these tumours and in countries where registration is currently unavailable.
Novel analogs of allopregnanolone show improved efficiency and specificity in neuroprotection and stimulation of proliferation
Authors: Karout Mona , Miesch Michel , Geoffroy Philippe , Kraft Stephanie , Hofmann Hans‐Dieter , Mensah‐Nyagan Ayikoe Guy , Kirsch Matthias 
Published: June 2016

AbstractThe natural neurosteroid allopregnanolone exerts beneficial effects in animal models of neurodegenerative diseases, nervous system injury and peripheral neuropathies. It not only has anti‐apoptotic activity, but also promotes proliferation of progenitor cells. With respect to using it as a therapeutic tool, such pleiotropic actions might create unwanted side effects. Therefore, we have synthesized allopregnanolone analogs and analyzed their neuroprotective and proliferative effects to identify compounds with higher efficiency and less ambiguous biological actions. Proliferation‐promoting effects of 3α and 3β isomers of 3‐O‐allyl‐allopregnanolone and 12 oxo‐allopregnanolone were studied in adult subventricular zone stem cell cultures and in primary hippocampal cultures by measuring 5‐ethynyl‐2′‐deoxyuridine incorporation. Neuroprotective activity against amyloid beta 42‐induced cell death was determined by quantifying caspase 3/7 activity. The 3α isomers significantly stimulated proliferation in all culture systems, whereas the 3β isomers were ineffective. The stimulatory effect of 3α‐O‐allyl‐allopregnanolone was significantly higher than that of allopregnanolone. In neural stem cell cultures, 3α‐O‐allyl‐allopregnanolone specifically enhanced proliferation of Nestin‐positive progenitors. In addition, it promoted the differentiation of doublecortin‐positive neurons. In neural stem cell cultures treated with amyloid beta 42, both the α and β isomers of O‐allyl‐ allopregnanolone showed increased neuroprotective activity as compared to allopregnanolone, completely preventing amyloid‐induced caspase 3/7 activation. The 12 oxo‐allopregnanolone analogs were ineffective. These results identify structural allopregnanolone analogs with higher anti‐apoptotic and proliferation‐promoting activity than the natural neurosteroid. Interestingly, stereoisomers of the analogs were found to have distinct profiles of activity raising the possibility of exploiting the neuroprotective properties of neurosteroids with or without simultaneously stimulating neurogenesis.
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Cover Image for this issue: doi: 10.1111/jnc.13344.
Absolute number of parvicellular and magnocellular neurons in the red nucleus of the rat midbrain: a stereological study
Authors: Aghoghovwia Benjamin E. , Oorschot Dorothy E. 
Published: June 2016

AbstractThe absolute number of parvicellular and magnocellular neurons in the red nucleus was estimated using design‐based stereological counting methods and systematic random sampling techniques. Six young adult male rats, and a complete set of serial 40‐μm glycolmethacrylate sections for each rat, were used to quantify neuronal numbers. After a random start, a systematic subset (i.e. every third) of the serial sections was used to estimate the total volume of the red nucleus using Cavalieri's method. The same set of sampled sections was used to estimate the number of neurons in a known subvolume (i.e. the numerical density Nv) by the optical disector method. Multiplication of the total volume by Nv yielded the absolute number of neurons. It was found that the right red nucleus consisted, on average, of 8400 parvicellular neurons (with a coefficient of variation of 0.16) and 7000 magnocellular neurons (0.12). These total neuronal numbers provide important data for the transfer of information through these nuclei and for species comparisons.