bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Density dependence of herbivorous central stoneroller Campostoma anomalum in stream mesocosms
Authors: Pennock Casey A. , Gido Keith B. 
Published: February 2016

AbstractHerbivorous fish can have strong effects on stream ecosystem function by consuming primary producers and excreting limiting nutrients, but it is unclear whether they are resource limited. Thus, understanding factors regulating abundance of these fish might help predict ecosystem function. We used stream mesocosms to test whether populations of central stoneroller Campostoma anomalum exhibit density dependence across a range of typical densities and resource abundance found in Great Plains streams. We predicted that incrementally increasing stocking biomass from 3·7 to 24·9 g·m−2 would reduce standing stocks of resources resulting in lower growth of stocked fish. Fish growth (over 41 days) was compared to initial stocking biomass and primary production as well as standing stocks of algae and invertebrates using regression analysis. Mean growth of individuals was negatively associated with stocking biomass ( = 0·55; P = 0·02), as predicted. Contrary to our prediction, increases in fish biomass led to increased primary productivity ( = 0·31, P = 0·07), but resulted in no relationship among algal filament lengths ( = 0·00; P = 0·34), algal biomass ( = 0·12; P = 0·19) or invertebrate biomass ( = 0·03; P = 0·30). Thus, density dependence occurred without an apparent reduction in food resources. We hypothesised that stoneroller growth was possibly limited by competition for high‐quality algae or invertebrates, or behavioural interactions causing interference competition.
Risk of skin cancer in multiple myeloma patients: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Robinson Austin A. , Wang James , Vardanyan Suzie , Madden Erik K. , Hebroni Frank , Udd Kyle A. , Spektor Tanya M. , Nosrati Jason D. , Kitto Alex Z. , Zahab Michael , Cheema Simrin , Fors Darron H. , Norberg Adam , Diehl Joseph , Waterman Gabriel N. , Swift Regina A. , Crowley John , Berenson James R. 
Published: February 2016

AbstractImmunosuppressed patients are known to have an increased incidence of skin cancer. Patients with multiple myeloma (MM) show impaired immune function. In the past, because of poor survival, the incidence of specific secondary primary malignancies such as skin cancer among these patients was difficult to establish. With more effective MM therapies that have emerged in recent years, these patients are living markedly longer, and therefore, it becomes of increasing importance to determine whether their risk of developing other medical problems such as skin cancer is increased. We performed a retrospective cohort study of 205 myeloma patients and 193 age‐, race‐, and gender‐matched control subjects to assess the incidence of skin cancers among patients with MM and determine the specific types of and risk factors for skin cancer. We found that there is an increased occurrence of skin cancer among patients with MM compared to control subjects (26.8% vs. 16.1% in controls; P = 0.009). Among specific types of skin cancer, the proportion of patients with squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) was higher than controls (P = 0.016). In addition to MM diagnosis, older age and Caucasian ethnicity were predictors of skin cancer of any type. Furthermore, older age was also a predictor of SCC.
A study of the prevalence of smear‐positive leprosy cases in a tertiary care center in the post‐elimination phase of leprosy
Authors: Pradeep Nair Sukumaran , Vidyadharan Suja 
Published: February 2016

AbstractBackgroundIndia has declared leprosy to be eliminated in the country, according to the WHO criteria of attaining a prevalence of less than 1 in 10,000. However, smear‐positive leprosy cases are frequently being encountered.MethodsThis is an 18‐year retrospective study done in the Department of Dermatology and Venereology, Government Medical College, Trivandrum. Data were collected from the records of all cases in the study period, and the prevalence of smear‐positive cases was determined in the post‐elimination phase and this was compared to the pre‐elimination phase.ResultsA total of 901 cases were analyzed, which comprised 538 cases in the pre‐ and 363 cases in the post‐elimination phase. The male/female ratio in the pre and post phases was 2.61 : 1 and 2.45 : 1, respectively. Borderline tuberculoid accounted for the commonest type in both the pre and post phases comprising 45.54 and 50.69%, respectively. Type 2 lepra reactions were seen in 40.21% of the reaction cases in the post‐elimination phase. The smear‐positive cases in the post‐elimination phase accounted for 34.99% compared to 14.68% in the pre‐elimination phase. Lepromatous leprosy (LL) accounted for 67.71% of the smear‐positive cases in the post phase compared to 67.08% in the pre phase.ConclusionsThere was an increase of 20.30% of smear‐positive cases in the post‐elimination phase, which was statistically significant (P < 0.001), and the majority of them were LL (P < 0.001).
Ideal glycated hemoglobin cut‐off points for screening diabetes and prediabetes in a Chinese population
Authors: Liu Yujia , Xiao Xianchao , Sun Chenglin , Tian Suyan , Sun Zhonghua , Gao Ying , Li Yazhen , Cheng Jie , Lv You , Li Mei , Li Zhuo , Zhang Yumin , Wang Gang , Liu Yang , Gao Yuan , Zhu Liwen , Liu Yan , Wang Guixia 
Published: February 2016

AbstractAims/IntroductionThe aims of the present study were to evaluate the diagnostic value of fasting plasma glucose, 2‐h postload plasma glucose and glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) measurements in the screening of diabetes and prediabetes, and to determine the cut‐off point of HbA1c in the diagnosis of diabetes and prediabetes in a Chinese population.Materials and MethodsA total of 7,611 individuals aged 40 years or older, who did not have a prior history of diabetes, were randomly selected in the Changchun area. For each participant, a questionnaire was completed, and a physical examination and an oral glucose tolerance test were carried out. The values of fasting plasma glucose, 2‐h postload plasma glucose and HbA1c were compared by area under the receiver operating characteristic curves. The Youden index was used to identify the optimal cut‐off point of HbA1c in the diagnosis of diabetes and prediabetes.ResultsThe prevalence of newly diagnosed diabetes and prediabetes was 12.71% and 29.39%, respectively. In participants with newly diagnosed diabetes, the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve was 0.8368 for fasting plasma glucose, 0.9330 for 2‐h postload plasma glucose and 0.8064 for HbA1c; whereas for prediabetes, these values were 0.8022, 0.9288 and 0.6895, respectively. In addition, an HbA1c threshold of 6.3% showed the highest Youden index (0.4799) for detecting diabetes; furthermore, an HbA1c threshold of 5.8% showed the highest Youden index (0.2866) for detecting prediabetes.ConclusionsHbA1c ≥6.3% (45 mmol/mol) and between 5.8% and 6.2% (40–44 mmol/mol) were the optimal cut‐off values for the diagnosis of diabetes and prediabetes, respectively, in a Chinese population.
Long‐term safety and efficacy of a novel once‐weekly oral trelagliptin as monotherapy or in combination with an existing oral antidiabetic drug in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus: A 52‐week open‐label, phase 3 study
Authors: Inagaki Nobuya , Sano Hiroki , Seki Yoshifumi , Kuroda Shingo , Kaku Kohei 
Published: February 2016

AbstractAims/IntroductionTrelagliptin is a novel once‐weekly oral dipeptidyl peptidase‐4 inhibitor for type 2 diabetes mellitus that was first approved in Japan. We evaluated long‐term safety and efficacy of trelagliptin in Japanese patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.Materials and MethodsThis was a phase 3, multicenter, open‐label study to evaluate long‐term safety and efficacy of trelagliptin. Patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus inadequately controlled despite diet/exercise or treatment with one of the existing oral antidiabetic drugs along with diet/exercise received trelagliptin 100 mg orally once weekly for 52 weeks as monotherapy or combination therapies. The primary end‐points were the safety variables, and the secondary end‐points were glycosylated hemoglobin and fasting plasma glucose.ResultsA total of 680 patients received the following antidiabetic therapies: trelagliptin monotherapy (n = 248), combination with a sulfonylurea (n = 158), a glinide (n = 67), an α‐glucosidase inhibitor (n = 65), a biguanide (n = 70), or a thiazolidinedione (n = 72). During the study, 79.8% of the patients experienced at least one adverse event for monotherapy, 87.3% for combination with a sulfonylurea, 77.6% for a glinide, 81.5% for an α‐glucosidase inhibitor, 64.3% for a biguanide, and 84.7% for a thiazolidinedione, respectively. Most of the adverse events were mild or moderate. The change in glycosylated hemoglobin from baseline at the end of the treatment period was −0.74 to −0.25% for each therapy.ConclusionsOnce‐weekly oral trelagliptin provides well‐tolerated long‐term safety and efficacy in both monotherapy and combination therapies in Japanese patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.
The influence of space and time on the evolution of altruistic defence: the case of ant slave rebellion
Authors: Metzler D. , Jordan F. , Pamminger T. , Foitzik S. 
Published: February 2016

AbstractHow can antiparasite defence traits evolve even if they do not directly benefit their carriers? An example of such an indirect defence is rebellion of enslavedTemnothorax longispinosusant workers against their social parasiteTemnothorax americanus, a slavemaking ant. Ant slaves have been observed to kill their oppressors' offspring, a behaviour from which the sterile slaves cannot profit directly. Parasite brood killing could, however, reduce raiding pressure on related host colonies nearby. We analyse with extensive computer simulations for theTemnothoraxslavemaker system under what conditions a hypothetical rebel allele could invade a host population, and in particular, how host–parasite dynamics and population structure influence the rebel allele's success. Exploring a wide range of model parameters, we only found a small number of parameter combinations for which kin selection or multilevel selection could allow a slave rebellion allele to spread in the host population. Furthermore, we did not detect any cases in which the reduction of raiding pressure in the close vicinity of the slavemaker nest would substantially contribute to the inclusive fitness of rebels. This suggests that slave rebellion is not costly and perhaps a side‐effect of some other beneficial trait. In some of our simulations, however, even a costly rebellion allele could spread in the population. This was possible when host–parasite interactions led to a metapopulation dynamic with frequent local extinctions and recolonizations of demes by the offspring of few immigrants.
The potential forEntomophaga maimaigato regulate gypsy mothLymantria dispar(L.) (Lepidoptera: Erebidae) in Europe
Authors: Zúbrik M. , Hajek A. , Pilarska D. , Špilda I. , Georgiev G. , Hrašovec B. , Hirka A. , Goertz D. , Hoch G. , Barta M. , Saniga M. , Kunca A. , Nikolov C. , Vakula J. , Galko J. , Pilarski P. , Csóka G. 
Published: February 2016

AbstractGypsy moth,Lymantria disparL., is one of the most important pests of deciduous trees in Europe. In regular cycles, it causes large‐scale defoliation mostly of oak,Quercusspp., forests. Government authorities in the most infested countries in Europe conduct large‐scale applications of pesticides against gypsy moth. In 1999, a new natural enemy, the entomopathogenic fungusEntomophaga maimaiga, was successfully introduced into a gypsy moth population in Bulgaria. Recent investigations suggest that nowE. maimaigais quickly spreading in Europe. Herein, past studies are reviewed regarding this fungus with special emphasis on its potential for becoming an important factor regulating gypsy moth populations in Europe, focusing on the host's population dynamics in relation to the fungus, the influence of environmental conditions on fungal activity, the influence ofE. maimaigaon the native entomofauna, including other gypsy moth natural enemies, and spread of the fungus. Based on this analysis, the potential ofE. maimaigafor providing control in European gypsy moth populations is estimated.
Ni/S/Cl systematics and the origin of impact‐melt glasses in Martian meteorite Elephant Moraine 79001
Authors: Schrader Christian M. , Cohen Barbara A. , Donovan John J. , Vicenzi Edward P. 
Published: February 2016

AbstractMartian meteorite Elephant Moraine A79001 (EET 79001) has received considerable attention for the unusual composition of its shock melt glass, particularly its enrichment in sulfur relative to the host shergottite. It has been hypothesized that Martian regolith was incorporated into the melt or, conversely, that the S‐enrichment stems from preferential melting of sulfide minerals in the host rock during shock. We present results from an electron microprobe study of EET 79001 including robust measurements of major and trace elements in the shock melt glass (S, Cl, Ni, Co, V, and Sc) and minerals in the host rock (Ni, Co, and V). We find that both S and major element abundances can be reconciled with previous hypotheses of regolith incorporation and/or excess sulfide melt. However, trace element characteristics of the shock melt glass, particularly Ni and Cl abundances relative to S, cannot be explained either by the incorporation of regolith or sulfide minerals. We therefore propose an alternative hypothesis whereby, prior to shock melting, portions of EET 79001 experienced acid‐sulfate leaching of the mesostasis, possibly groundmass feldspar, and olivine, producing Al‐sulfates that were later incorporated into the shock melt, which then quenched to glass. Such activity in the Martian near‐surface is supported by observations from the Mars Exploration Rovers and laboratory experiments. Our preimpact alteration model, accompanied by the preferential survival of olivine and excess melting of feldspar during impact, explains the measured trace element abundances better than either the regolith incorporation or excess sulfide melting hypothesis does.
A service evaluation comparing CVVH and CVVHDF in minimising circuit failure
Authors: Ede Jody , Dale Andrea 
Published: February 2016

ABSTRACTBackgroundA significant problem during continuous renal replacement therapy is premature circuit failure, affecting efficacy and molecular clearance. Techniques to improve circuit failure are anticoagulation, access site and modality. A modality change was introduced, moving from continuous veno‐venous haemofiltration to continuous veno‐venous haemodiafiltration as a result of existing issues with failing circuit times and failure rates.AimThe aim of this service evaluation was to ascertain if the use of continuous veno‐venous haemodiafiltration compared to continuous veno‐venous haemofiltration had affected failed circuit survival times and rates.MethodsA service evaluation was chosen because the focus was to ascertain what effect a practice change had had on a particular service. The service evaluation was registered with the local trust's audit department and gained university ethical approval. It was anticipated that the data generated would be used to inform, question and improve practices. Patients who received renal replacement therapy (RRT) from May 2012 to January 2013 were retrospectively identified. Patients received continuous veno‐venous haemofiltration for the duration of their treatment before September 2012 and continuous veno‐venous haemodiafiltration after. A total of 78 patients were identified as receiving RRT; 41 of these patients had failed circuits.ResultsA total of 182 failed circuits were analysed. The median duration of failed circuits during continuous veno‐venous haemofiltration was shorter (2·75 h, standard deviation (SD) = 13·82) when compared to continuous veno‐venous haemodiafiltration (11 h, SD = 15·26, p < 0·001, 95% confidence interval (CI) 2·5–10). Circuit failure rate in continuous veno‐venous haemofiltration was 56% compared to 43% in continuous veno‐venous haemodiafiltration. After performing a Cox regression analysis, continuous veno‐venous haemofiltration appeared to have a 1·87 times (CI 1·18–2·82, p > 0·007) more likely chance of failure.ConclusionThe use of continuous veno‐venous haemodiafiltration has had an overall positive effect on the haemofiltration service by reducing the number of failed circuits and increasing circuit survival times, which may have improved the efficacy of the service. Continuous veno‐venous haemodiafiltration may be a more appropriate modality of choice in non‐septic patients requiring prolonged continuous RRT episodes.
Expression of Arabidopsis Bax Inhibitor‐1 in transgenic sugarcane confers drought tolerance
Authors: Ramiro Daniel Alves , Melotto‐Passarin Danila Montewka , Barbosa Mariana de Almeida , Santos Flavio dos , Gomez Sergio Gregorio Perez , Massola Júnior Nelson Sidnei , Lam Eric , Carrer Helaine 
Published: February 2016

SummaryThe sustainability of global crop production is critically dependent on improving tolerance of crop plants to various types of environmental stress. Thus, identification of genes that confer stress tolerance in crops has become a top priority especially in view of expected changes in global climatic patterns. Drought stress is one of the abiotic stresses that can result in dramatic loss of crop productivity. In this work, we show that transgenic expression of a highly conserved cell death suppressor, Bax Inhibitor‐1 from Arabidopsis thaliana (AtBI‐1), can confer increased tolerance of sugarcane plants to long‐term (>20 days) water stress conditions. This robust trait is correlated with an increased tolerance of the transgenic sugarcane plants, especially in the roots, to induction of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress by the protein glycosylation inhibitor tunicamycin. Our findings suggest that suppression of ER stress in C4 grasses, which include important crops such as sorghum and maize, can be an effective means of conferring improved tolerance to long‐term water deficit. This result could potentially lead to improved resilience and yield of major crops in the world.
Biomanufacturing of protective antibodies and other therapeutics in edible plant tissues for oral applications
Authors: Juarez Paloma , Virdi Vikram , Depicker Ann , Orzaez Diego 
Published: February 2016

SummaryAlthough plant expression systems used for production of therapeutic proteins have the advantage of being scalable at a low price, the downstream processing necessary to obtain pure therapeutic molecules is as expensive as for the traditional Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) platforms. However, when edible plant tissues (EPTs) are used, there is no need for exhaustive purification, because they can be delivered orally as partially purified formulations that are safe for consumption. This economic benefit is especially interesting when high doses of recombinant proteins are required throughout the treatment/prophylaxis period, as is the case for antibodies used for oral passive immunization (OPI). The secretory IgA (SIgA) antibodies, which are highly abundant in the digestive tract and mucosal secretions, and thus the first choice for OPI, have only been successfully produced in plant expression systems. Here, we cover most of the up‐to‐date examples of EPT‐produced pharmaceuticals, including two examples of SIgA aimed at oral delivery. We describe the benefits and drawbacks of delivering partially purified formulations and discuss a number of practical considerations and criteria to take into account when using plant expression systems, such as subcellular targeting, protein degradation, glycosylation patterns and downstream strategies, all crucial for improved yield, high quality and low cost of the final product.
Sarcocystid organisms found in bile from a dog with acute hepatitis: a case report and review of intestinal and hepatobiliary Sarcocystidae infections in dogs and cats
Authors: Irvine Katherine L. , Walker Julie M. , Friedrichs Kristen R. 
Published: February 2016

AbstractSarcocystidae is a family of coccidian protozoa from the phylum Apicomplexa that includesToxoplasma,Neospora,Sarcocystis,Hammondia, andBesnoitiaspp. All species undergo a 2‐host sexual and asexual cycle. In the definitive host, replication is enteroepithelial, and infection is typically asymptomatic or less commonly causes mild diarrhea. Clinical disease is most frequently observed in the intermediate host, often as an aberrant infection, and is mostly associated with neurologic, muscular, or hepatic inflammation. Here, we review the literature regarding intestinal Sarcocystidae infections in dogs and cats, with emphasis on the life cycle stages and the available diagnostic assays and their limitations. We also report the diagnostic findings for an 11‐year‐old dog with acute neutrophilic hepatitis, biliary protozoa, and negative biliary culture. AlthoughToxoplasmaandNeosporaIgG titers were both high,PCRfor these 2 organisms was negative for bile. The organisms were identified by 18SrDNA PCRas most consistent withHammondia, eitherH heydorniorH triffittae. This is the first report of presumedHammondiaorganisms being found in canine bile.
Extracellular vesicles in cardiovascular disease: are they Jedi or Sith?
Authors: Osteikoetxea Xabier , Németh Andrea , Sódar Barbara W , Vukman Krisztina V , Buzás Edit Irén 
Published: February 2016

AbstractIn the recent past, extracellular vesicles have become recognized as important players in cell biology and biomedicine. Extracellular vesicles, including exosomes, microvesicles and apoptotic bodies, are phospholipid bilayer‐enclosed structures found to be secreted by most if not all cells. Extracellular vesicle secretion represents a universal and highly conserved active cellular function. Importantly, increasing evidence supports that extracellular vesicles may serve as biomarkers and therapeutic targets or tools in human diseases. Cardiovascular disease undoubtedly represents one of the most intensely studied and rapidly growing areas of the extracellular vesicle field. However, in different studies related to cardiovascular disease, extracellular vesicles have been shown to exert diverse and sometimes discordant biological effects. Therefore, it might seem a puzzle whether these vesicles are in fact beneficial or detrimental to cardiovascular health. In this review we provide a general introduction to extracellular vesicles and an overview of their biological roles in cardiovascular diseases. Furthermore, we aim to untangle the various reasons for the observed discrepancy in biological effects of extracellular vesicles in cardiovascular diseases. To this end, we provide several examples that demonstrate that the observed functional diversity is in fact due to inherent differences among various types of extracellular vesicles.
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