bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Insect elevational specialization in a tropical biodiversity hotspot
Authors: Macedo Margarete V. , Monteiro Ricardo F. , Flinte Vivian , Almeida‐Neto Mario , Khattar Gabriel , da Silveira Luiz F. L. , Araújo Cristina de O. , Araújo Rodrigo de O. , Colares Carolina , Gomes Carlos V. S. , Mendes Clarice B. , Santos Eduardo F. , Mayhew Peter J. 
Published: October 2017

AbstractTropical montane organisms are vulnerable to climate change because of elevational specialisation, but little is known of the variability in elevational specialisation across tropical insects.We assessed elevational specialisation across several insect taxa comprising four trophic groups 80–2263 m up an elevational transect in Brazilian Atlantic Rainforest, using community‐based and species‐based approaches.We sampled 697 species, of which 32% were found only in the top and 45% only in the bottom half of the transect. Considering only the 182 species with at least five individuals recorded, the percentage of species found exclusively in the top or bottom half drops to 16% and 24%.Across four vegetation belts (lower montane forest, montane forest, upper montane forest and Campos de Altitude) the Eumolpinae (herbivores) were more specialised than Scarabaeinae (saprotrophs), or Lampyridae (predators). This result was robust to the treatment of rare species, and the difference was most marked at higher elevations. Lampyridae lacked upper montane forest specialists.Using all species sampled, specialisation to the upper or lower half of the transect was greatest among Chrysomelidae, Curculionidae (both herbivores) and Lampyridae, and lowest among Tiphiidae (parasitoids) and Coccinellidae (predators). Considering only better sampled species, however, Lampyridae were the most specialised and Braconidae the least specialised. Trophic groups also varied consistent with these findings.Our findings suggest high elevational specialisation and concomitant extinction risk in Brazilian Atlantic Rainforest insects. Differences in elevational specialisation between taxonomic groups may alter the functioning of insect communities under climate change.
Infections, resistance patterns and antibiotic use in patients at a regional cancer centre
Authors: De Silva Nivanka , Jackson Justin , Steer Christopher 
Published: October 2017

AbstractBackgroundInfections and antibiotic resistance patterns in patients attending regional Australian cancer centres are poorly described.AimsTo document patient characteristics, infection types, patterns of antibiotic resistance and outcomes in all patients with cancer requiring inpatient management for suspected infection at a regional Australian cancer centre.MethodsWe studied patients ≥18 years of age who were admitted under the oncology unit at Albury Wodonga Health during a 12‐month period and who had a microbiological test performed for suspected infection during their admission. Data were extracted retrospectively from electronic records and analysed through descriptive statistics.ResultsWe identified 275 episodes of suspected infection occurring in 208 patients (M/F: 61%/39%). Median age was 68 years, solid tumour 76%, haematological malignancy 24%. A positive culture was obtained in 28% of cases: Gram‐positive 48.5% and Gram‐negative 51.5%. Drug resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa was seen in 38% (5/13) of pseudomonas isolates, three times the rate seen in general hospital admissions.Extended spectrum beta lactamase was seen in 22% of Gram‐negative isolates. Empiric IV antibiotic choice was guideline concordant in 61% of neutropenic fever (NF) (NF) presentations. Only 17% of NF presentations received antibiotics within the recommended hour of emergency department triage. The inpatient mortality rate was 3%. Fifty‐seven percent of NF presentations satisfied Multinational Association of Supportive Care in Cancer risk index criteria for outpatient management.ConclusionsThis is the first study of this type in patients with cancer at an Australian regional cancer centre. The study highlighted key areas for improvement in antibiotic prescription and control of antibiotic resistance at our institution.
United we stand, divided we conquer: pilot study of multidisciplinary General Medicine Heart Failure Care Program
Authors: Wahbi‐Izzettin Omar , Hopper Ingrid , Ritchie Edward , Nagalingam Vathy , Aung Ar Kar 
Published: October 2017

AbstractBackgroundHeart failure care and education require a multifaceted approach to ensure appropriate transition from inpatient to outpatient care.AimsTo explore the feasibility of a multidisciplinary heart failure care model, General Medicine Heart Failure Care Program (GM‐HFCP), within a General Medical Unit (GMU).MethodsProspective non‐randomised before‐and‐after observational quality improvement intervention over a 6‐month period was conducted. All consecutive patients admitted to GMU at Alfred Hospital, Melbourne with a diagnosis of acute decompensated heart failure were included. Main outcome measures included changes in rates of pharmacologic prescription, non‐pharmacologic ward‐based management, patient education and action plan provision after intervention.ResultsIn total, 108 patients were included (median age 84 (inter‐quartile range 80–89) years, 47(44%) females). Significant improvements were noted in non‐pharmacologic management for patient education regarding fluid restriction (12–30%, P = 0.04), weight monitoring (10–28%, P = 0.03), heart failure action plan on discharge (4–28%, P = 0.002) and salt restriction (6–32%, P = 0.002). The rates of prescription of heart failure medications remained similar between the pre‐ and post‐implementation periods, particularly in patients with reduced ejection fraction by ‘appropriateness of prescription’ criteria. There were no differences in inpatient mortality or 30‐day readmission rates in both groups.ConclusionsThis prospective observational study demonstrated that it is possible to share the roles of a heart failure nurse amongst members of the multidisciplinary team, with similar rates of delivery of pharmacologic and non‐pharmacologic management aspects. However, further innovative improvements are needed to address certain aspects of heart failure care.
Are analyst stock recommendation revisions more informative in the post‐IFRS period?
Authors: Charitou Andreas , Karamanou Irene , Kopita Anastasia 
Published: October 2017

AbstractThis paper investigates whether the mandatory IFRS adoption has affected the informativeness of analyst recommendation revisions in Europe. Although prior studies document that IFRS adoption improved analyst forecast attributes, the impact of IFRS cannot be completely assessed without examining how the market reacts to information‐rich events in an environment with enhanced disclosure. To examine this question we utilize a difference‐in‐differences design using as main control sample firms that had voluntarily adopted IFRS before the EU's mandated switch. Overall, our evidence suggests that after the mandatory adoption of IFRS, both analyst upgrades and downgrades are more informative. These results hold after controlling for a number of variables that capture analyst, firm and information environment characteristics and are robust to a number of sensitivity analyses including the use of a US control sample. Finally, we examine whether our results are sensitive to the level of accounting enforcement. We find that analyst downgrades are more informative in the post‐IFRS period for firms in both high and low enforcement environments. Analyst upgrades, however, are more informative only if they are issued for firms in high enforcement countries.
Transmission of a common intestinal neoplasm in zebrafish by cohabitation
Authors: Burns A R , Watral V , Sichel S , Spagnoli S , Banse A V , Mittge E , Sharpton T J , Guillemin K , Kent M L 
Published: October 2017

AbstractIntestinal neoplasms are common in zebrafish (Danio rerio) research facilities. These tumours are most often seen in older fish and are classified as small cell carcinomas or adenocarcinomas. Affected fish populations always contain subpopulations with preneoplastic lesions, characterized by epithelial hyperplasia or inflammation. Previous observations indicated that these tumours are unlikely caused by diet, water quality or genetic background, suggesting an infectious aetiology. We performed five transmission experiments by exposure of naïve fish to affected donor fish by cohabitation or exposure to tank effluent water. Intestinal lesions were observed in recipient fish in all exposure groups, including transmissions from previous recipient fish, and moribund fish exhibited a higher prevalence of neoplasms. We found a single 16S rRNA sequence, most similar to Mycoplasma penetrans, to be highly enriched in the donors and exposed recipients compared to unexposed control fish. We further tracked the presence of the Mycoplasma sp. using a targeted PCR test on individual dissected intestines or faeces or tank faeces. Original donor and exposed fish populations were positive for Mycoplasma, while corresponding unexposed control fish were negative. This study indicates an infectious aetiology for these transmissible tumours of zebrafish and suggests a possible candidate agent of a Mycoplasma species.
Interference of hepatitis B virus dual infection in platelet count recovery in chronic hepatitis C patients with curative antiviral therapy
Authors: Huang Chung‐Feng , Yeh Ming‐Lun , Huang Ching‐I , Lin Zu‐Yau , Chen Shinn‐Cherng , Dai Chia‐Yen , Huang Jee‐Fu , Chuang Wan‐Long , Yu Ming‐Lung 
Published: October 2017

AbstractBackground and AimHepatitis C virus infection is associated with thrombocytopenia. Thrombocytopenia recovers after viral eradication. The current study explored the rate and factors associated with platelet (PLT) recovery, which may represent the degree of liver fibrosis regression.MethodsA total of 466 patients who achieved a sustained virological response were enrolled to compare the PLT change after a mean follow‐up period of 85.5 months (range 12–163 months).ResultsPlatelet counts increased significantly after achieving sustained virological response (from 166 ± 55 × 103 to 201 ± 61 × 103 u/L, P < 0.001). The median PLT count increment was 5.03 × 103 u/L per year. Logistic regression analysis revealed that factors associated with slow PLT count recovery were high pretreatment PLT counts (odds ratio [OR]/ 95% confidence intervals [CI]: 0.992/0.989–0.996, P < 0.001) and hepatitis B virus (HBV) co‐infection (OR/CI: 0.416/0.220–0.785, P = 0.007). High PLT counts were the only factor associated with slow PLT recovery in patients with mild liver disease (F0–2) (OR/CI: 0.992/0.987–0.996, P < 0.001). On the other hand, HBV co‐infection was the only factor associated with slow PLT recovery in patients with advanced fibrosis (OR/CI: 0.207/0.054–0.789, P = 0.02). Linear regression analysis of factors correlated to the delta PLT count change per year in patients with F0–2 included pretreatment white blood cell (β: −0.001; CI: −0.002–0.000; P = 0.01) and pretreatment PLT counts (β: −0.037; CI: −0.061 to −0.013; P = 0.003). HBsAg seropositivity was the only factor correlated to the delta PLT count change per year (β: −10.193; CI: −16.752–3.635; P = 0.003) among patients with F3–4.ConclusionsPlatelet counts recovered after hepatitis C virus eradication. HBV dual infection disrupted PLT count recovery, especially in CHC patients with advanced liver disease.
CPS49‐induced neurotoxicity does not cause limb patterning anomalies in developing chicken embryos
Authors: Mahony Chris , McMenemy Scott , Rafipay Alexandra J. , Beedie Shaunna‐Leigh , Fraga Lucas Rosa , Gütschow Michael , Figg William D. , Erskine Lynda , Vargesson Neil 
Published: October 2017

AbstractThalidomide notoriously caused severe birth defects, particularly to the limbs, in those exposed in utero following maternal use of the drug to treat morning sickness. How the drug caused these birth defects remains unclear. Many theories have been proposed including actions on the forming blood vessels. However, thalidomide survivors also have altered nerve patterns and the drug is known for its neurotoxic actions in adults following prolonged use. We have previously shown that CPS49, an anti‐angiogenic analog of thalidomide, causes a range of limb malformations in a time‐sensitive manner in chicken embryos. Here we investigated whether CPS49 also is neurotoxic and whether effects on nerve development impact upon limb development. We found that CPS49 is neurotoxic, just like thalidomide, and can cause some neuronal loss late developing chicken limbs, but only when the limb is already innervated. However, CPS49 exposure does not cause defects in limb size when added to late developing chicken limbs. In contrast, in early limb buds which are not innervated, CPS49 exposure affects limb area significantly. To investigate in more detail the role of neurotoxicity and its impact on chicken limb development we inhibited nerve innervation at a range of developmental timepoints through using β‐bungarotoxin. We found that neuronal inhibition or ablation before, during or after limb outgrowth and innervation does not result in obvious limb cartilage patterning or number changes. We conclude that while CPS49 is neurotoxic, given the late innervation of the developing limb, and that neuronal inhibition/ablation throughout limb development does not cause similar limb patterning anomalies to those seen in thalidomide survivors, nerve defects are not the primary underlying cause of the severe limb patterning defects induced by CPS49/thalidomide.
The role of human papillomavirus in p16‐positive oral cancers
Authors: Belobrov Simone , Cornall Alyssa M. , Young Richard J. , Koo Kendrick , Angel Christopher , Wiesenfeld David , Rischin Danny , Garland Suzanne M. , McCullough Michael 
Published: October 2017

BackgroundThe aim of this study was to identify the presence and frequency of human papillomavirus (HPV) nucleic acid in p16‐positive oral squamous cell carcinomas (OSCCs), to assess whether the virus was transcriptionally active and to assess the utility of p16 overexpression as a surrogate marker for HPV in OSCC.MethodsForty‐six OSCC patients treated between 2007 and 2011 with available formalin‐fixed paraffin‐embedded (FFPE) specimens were included. Twenty‐three patients were positive for p16 by immunohistochemistry (IHC) and these were matched with 23 patients with p16‐negative tumours. Laser capture microdissection of the FFPE OSCC tissues was undertaken to isolate invasive tumour tissue. DNA was extracted and tested for high‐risk HPV types using a PCR‐ELISA method based on the L1 SPF10 consensus primers, and a real‐time PCR method targeting HPV‐16 and HPV‐18 E6 region. Genotyping of HPV‐positive cases was performed using a reverse line blot hybridization assay (Inno‐LiPA). RNAScope® (a chromogenic RNA in situ hybridization assay) was utilized to detect E6/E7 mRNA of known high‐risk HPV types for detection of transcriptionally active virus.ResultsHPV DNA was found in 3 OSCC cases, all of which were p16 IHC‐positive. Two cases were genotyped as HPV‐16 and one as HPV‐33. Only one of the HPV‐16 cases was confirmed to harbour transcriptionally active virus via HPV RNA ISH.ConclusionWe have shown that the presence of transcriptionally active HPV rarely occurs in OSCC and that p16 is not an appropriate surrogate marker for HPV in OSCC cases. We propose that non‐viral mechanisms are responsible for the majority of IHC p16 overexpression in OSCC.
Direct effect of pholyphenol‐rich plants, rooibos and ginkgo, on porcine ovarian cell functions
Authors: Štochmaľová A. , Kádasi A. , Alexa R. , Bauer M. , Harrath A. H. , Sirotkin A. V. 
Published: October 2017

SummaryThe polyphenol‐rich plants rooibos and ginkgo are widely used in folk medicine and in preparation of foods and drinks, but their effect on reproduction has not been properly studied yet. The aim of our in vitro experiments was to examine the possible direct effect of rooibos and ginkgo on the basic ovarian cell functions—proliferation, apoptosis and release of hormones progesterone (P4) and leptin (L). Porcine ovarian granulosa cells were cultured in the presence of rooibos or ginkgo extract (0, 1, 10 and 100 μg/ml of medium). The accumulation of markers of proliferation (PCNA and cyclin B1) and apoptosis (bax) and their mRNAs was analysed using immunocytochemistry and by reverse transcription—quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT‐qPCR). Release of P4 and L was evaluated by radioimmunoassay. It was observed that rooibos or ginkgo addition was able to inhibit proliferation (down‐regulates PCNA, cyclin B1 and their mRNAs), to promote apoptosis (accumulation of bax) and to suppress both L and P4 release by ovarian cells. These data suggest a direct inhibitory (anti‐proliferative, pro‐apoptotic and hormone‐suppressing) effect of polyphenol‐containing plants rooibos and ginkgo on ovarian functions. The potential anti‐reproductive effect of these medical plants is to be taken into account by their consumption.
Serum cardiac troponin I concentrations in dogs with generalised seizures
Authors: Dutton E. , Carmichael N. , Michal U. , Cripps P. J. , Boswood A. 
Published: October 2017

ObjectivesTo determine if serum cardiac troponin I concentrations – measured with both a first‐generation assay and a high‐sensitivity assay – were greater in dogs with generalised seizures than in controls and to identify clinical variables associated with cardiac troponin I concentration.Materials and MethodsProspective study of 30 dogs with recent generalised seizures and 30 healthy controls. Serum cardiac troponin I concentration was measured using two commercially available assays, and the correlation of clinical factors with concentration was examined.ResultsSerum concentrations of cardiac troponin I were higher in dogs that had recent seizures compared to controls when measured by both assays. The predictors most clearly associated with cardiac troponin I concentration were number of seizures and age. Both predictors were positively associated with increasing concentrations of troponin I.Clinical SignificanceSerum cardiac troponin I concentration was significantly elevated in dogs that had recent generalised seizures when compared to controls, and concentrations were higher in dogs that experienced more seizures. This association may indicate that generalised seizures are associated with damage to the myocardium.
Affinity spaces, literacies and classrooms: tensions and opportunities
Authors: Magnifico Alecia Marie , Lammers Jayne C. , Fields Deborah A. 
Published: October 2017

AbstractBuilding communicative competence in textual and multimodal literacies has become a linchpin of learning, of engagement with the world, and of participation in online and blended spaces. Young creators now compose online and with digital tools, often in what we call “user‐generated content affinity spaces” – interest‐based spaces that focus on creating and sharing self‐made content. Such spaces focus onprocessesof developing users' creations and sharing theproductswith an audience. These spaces have been inspirations for teachers to reinvigorate classroom practices and expose students to learning opportunities for creation and critique. But questions remain about models of participation in such spaces, especially those that idealise youth who are the most highly engaged while ignoring those whose participation is less visible. Here, we share three experiences of bringing user‐generated content affinity spaces into more formal learning environments and reflect on the tensions emerging from these efforts. We end by outlining steps to develop theory and interventions to navigate tensions and propel the field forward.
Aquinas on Temperance
Authors: Chua Reginald Mary 
Published: October 2017

AbstractThe purpose of this essay is to explore, and clarify, some key features in Aquinas’ account of the virtue of temperance, with an eye to answering some common objections raised against a positive evaluation of temperance. In particular, I consider three features of Aquinas’ understanding of temperance: First, the role of the rational mean in temperance; second, the role of rightly ordered passions in temperance; and third, the ‘despotic’ control of reason over the passions in temperance. Along the way I consider three common objections to Aquinas’ account of temperance: the objection that temperance can be misused for evil, the objection that temperance devalues effort, and the objection that temperance devalues strong passions and thereby implicitly devalues the goodness of sexuality. In responding to these objections on behalf of Aquinas, I take the opportunity to clarify and slightly extend Aquinas’ account of temperance.
Graphic Novels: A Brief History, Their Use in Business Education, and the Potential for Negotiation Pedagogy
Authors: Wallace Mallory 
Published: October 2017

AbstractOver an extensive history, graphic novels have developed into a legitimate form of fiction and nonfiction for readers and students. Use of graphic novels in classrooms has proven effective in facilitating learning for students, as a conduit for lifelong reading, a tool for increased comprehension and critical literacy, and a stimulus for interest and comprehension. In applying this to teaching negotiation and conflict management, graphic novels may be effective in engaging students and increasing understanding when terms and concepts are confusing or vague, especially in their differences, and can help students understand the process and outcome of negotiation, both objective and subjective. It is in this way that the use of graphic novels in teaching negotiation and conflict management links to the nexus of research, theory, practice, and pedagogy. The article closes by describing these connections, and offering some suggestions for how to source material and include it in classroom settings.
The newborn rat gastric emptying rate is volume and not developmentally dependent
Authors: Ferreira C. H. F. , Shifrin Y. , Pan J. , Ivanovska J. , McNamara P. J. , Belik J. 
Published: October 2017

AbstractBackgroundGastric residuals are a common finding in enterally fed preterm neonates and traditionally thought to reflect immaturity‐related delayed gastric emptying. Adult human data suggest that the meal volume regulate the gastric emptying rate, but early in life, this has not been adequately evaluated. The goal of this study was to study the rat postnatal changes in gastric emptying rate and the strain‐induced effect on muscle contraction. We hypothesized that the stomach content volume and not developmental factors determines the newborn gastric emptying rate, via the Rho‐kinase 2 (ROCK‐2) pathway.MethodsGastric volume and emptying rate measurements were obtained by ultrasound at different postprandial times and the wall strain‐dependent changes in muscle contraction were evaluated ex vivo.Key ResultsThe newborn rat gastric emptying rate was unrelated to postnatal age, maximal 30 min postprandial, and directly proportional to content volume. In vitro measurements showed that the agonist‐induced gastric muscle contraction was directly proportional to the stomach wall strain. These changes were mediated via upregulation of ROCK‐2 activity.Conclusions & InferencesThe newborn rat gastric emptying rate is not developmentally regulated, but dependent on the content volume via wall strain‐induced ROCK‐2 activation. Further clinical studies addressing the content volume effect on the rate of gastric emptying are warranted, to enhance feeding tolerance in preterm neonates.