bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Water provision alters wildebeest adaptive habitat selection and resilience in the Central Kalahari
Authors: Selebatso Moses , Bennitt Emily , Maude Glyn , Fynn Richard W. S. 
Published: August 2017

AbstractWildlife populations in semi‐arid regions require unrestricted mobility along ecological gradients and across large landscapes to enable adaptive responses to seasonal variability and patchy resources. In the Kalahari region of Botswana, herbivore populations historically depended on seasonal access to the nutrient‐rich Schwelle area in the wet season and to water from the Boteti River during drought periods. Blue wildebeest Connochaetes taurinus in the Central Kalahari Game Reserve (CKGR) have lost access to these key habitats due to fences and encroachment of livestock and humans. We deployed satellite collars onto 10 female wildebeest in the CKGR to examine seasonal movements and habitat selection in relation to the environmental conditions and fragmented ecosystem. Wildebeest favoured open, short‐grass pan habitats in all seasons, probably in response to better forage quality and lower predation risk. The ability to remain in pan habitats during the dry season was a result of artificial water provision. A wildebeest herd that had no artificial water in its home range survived the dry season, whereas those wildebeest that were accustomed to water provision died when their water points failed in the dry season. Thus, water provision altered adaptive behaviour and reduced resilience of the population to the arid environment.
Social and demographic influences on the feeding ecology of giraffe in the Luangwa Valley, Zambia: 1973–2014
Authors: Bercovitch Fred B. , Berry Philip S. M. 
Published: August 2017

AbstractBody size influences metabolic rate, which impacts feeding ecology. Body mass differs by sex in size‐dimorphic species, such as giraffes, and also by age. Giraffes reside in a fission–fusion social system, which influences feeding ecology due to frequent changes in group size and composition. We analysed 40 years of feeding records collected from a population of Thornicroft's giraffes (Giraffa camelopardalis thornicrofti) living in the Luangwa Valley, Zambia. We examined the influence of herd composition, age and sex on diet. Solitary males and herd males did not differ in diet. Dietary diversity was comparable for females and males, with sex differences in plant species eaten present during the dry season. Age differences in feeding ecology were pronounced, with juveniles often feeding on bushes and smaller trees, while adults tended to feed upon taller trees. Both sexes have evolved foraging strategies that maximize nutrient and energy intake commensurate with their reproductive strategies, with male metabolic requirements sometimes greater, and sometimes less, than that of females. We propose that females are not exchanging foraging efficiency with reproductive tactics by feeding on smaller trees in the open, but are increasing prospects for their calves to survive when confronted with interspecific competition by browsers.
Is the incidence of recurrent pregnancy loss increasing? A retrospective register‐based study in Sweden
Authors: Rasmark Roepke Emma , Matthiesen Leif , Rylance Rebecca , Christiansen Ole Bjarne 
Published: August 2017

AbstractIntroductionThe aim of this study was to estimate the incidence of recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL). The prevalence of RPL defined as three or more consecutive miscarriages before gestation week 22, is often stated to be 1%. To our knowledge no study has estimated the incidence of RPL, which might be more informative and clinically relevant than the prevalence.Material and methodsThis retrospective register‐based study was conducted from 2003 until 2012 in Sweden with data provided by the Swedish National Board of Health and Welfare. In all, 6852 women were registered with the diagnoses of RPL in the National Patient Register. The incidence of RPL is the number of new women receiving the RPL diagnosis per year in the numerator and population at risk in the denominator.ResultsFor each year, from 2003 to 2012, the incidence was calculated in two different risk populations: [1] all women aged 18–42 years, and [2] all women registered as being pregnant (deliveries or miscarriages). The average incidence in the study period was 53 per 100 000 (0.05%) in women aged 18–42 years and 650 per 100 000 (0.65%) in women who had achieved pregnancy in the period. The incidence of RPL in the two risk populations increased by 74 and 58%, respectively, during the study period.ConclusionThis study suggests that the incidence of RPL increased during the 10‐year period studied. Causes can only be speculated upon in this study design, but might be associated with environmental changes, as the increase was fairly rapid.
Serum levels of omentin‐1 are increased after weight loss and are particularly associated with increases in obese children with metabolic syndrome
Authors: Zhang Meizhen , Tan Xinrui , Yin Chunyan , Wang Li , Tie Yingchun , Xiao Yanfeng 
Published: August 2017

AbstractAimThere have been very few paediatric studies on omentin‐1, an anti‐inflammatory adipokine that provides a link between adiposity, insulin resistance and metabolic syndrome. This Chinese study evaluated the association between omentin‐1 and metabolic syndrome and analysed the effect of a six‐month lifestyle intervention on the levels in obese children.MethodsWe recruited 119 obese outpatients (75% boys) aged 7–18 years from the Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, who underwent a six‐ month lifestyle intervention. Our controls were 55 matched children with normal weight. Anthropometric parameters, biochemical data and circulating omentin‐1 levels were measured at baseline and after six months.ResultsOf the 119 obese children, 32 (27%) had metabolic syndrome. The obese children, particularly those with metabolic syndrome, had significantly lower serum omentin‐1 levels at baseline than the controls. We also found that the omentin‐1 levels were negatively associated with their body mass index, waist circumference and homoeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance. After the six‐month lifestyle intervention, the obese children showed significant weight loss and their omentin‐1 levels increased.ConclusionSerum omentin‐1 was regulated by weight and seemed to be associated with children's metabolic disorders. A six‐month lifestyle intervention significantly increased serum omentin‐1 levels.
Class I histone deacetylase inhibition improves pancreatitis outcome by limiting leukocyte recruitment and acinar‐to‐ductal metaplasia
Authors: Bombardo Marta , Saponara Enrica , Malagola Ermanno , Chen Rong , Seleznik Gitta M , Haumaitre Cecile , Quilichini Evans , Zabel Anja , Reding Theresia , Graf Rolf , Sonda Sabrina 
Published: August 2017

Background and PurposePancreatitis is a common inflammation of the pancreas with rising incidence in many countries. Despite improvements in diagnostic techniques, the disease is associated with high risk of severe morbidity and mortality and there is an urgent need for new therapeutic interventions. In this study, we evaluated whether histone deacetylases (HDACs), key epigenetic regulators of gene transcription, are involved in the development of the disease.Experimental ApproachWe analysed HDAC regulation during cerulein‐induced acute, chronic and autoimmune pancreatitis using different transgenic mouse models. The functional relevance of class I HDACs was tested with the selective inhibitor MS‐275 in vivo upon pancreatitis induction and in vitro in activated macrophages and primary acinar cell explants.Key ResultsHDAC expression and activity were up‐regulated in a time‐dependent manner following induction of pancreatitis, with the highest abundance observed for class I HDACs. Class I HDAC inhibition did not prevent the initial acinar cell damage. However, it effectively reduced the infiltration of inflammatory cells, including macrophages and T cells, in both acute and chronic phases of the disease, and directly disrupted macrophage activation. In addition, MS‐275 treatment reduced DNA damage in acinar cells and limited acinar de‐differentiation into acinar‐to‐ductal metaplasia in a cell‐autonomous manner by impeding the EGF receptor signalling axis.Conclusions and ImplicationsThese results demonstrate that class I HDACs are critically involved in the development of acute and chronic forms of pancreatitis and suggest that blockade of class I HDAC isoforms is a promising target to improve the outcome of the disease.
Rubiarbonone C inhibits platelet‐derived growth factor‐induced proliferation and migration of vascular smooth muscle cells through the focal adhesion kinase, MAPK and STAT3 Tyr705 signalling pathways
Authors: Park Hyun‐Soo , Quan Khong Trong , Han Joo‐Hui , Jung Sang‐Hyuk , Lee Do‐Hyung , Jo Eunji , Lim Tae‐Wan , Heo Kyung‐Sun , Na MinKyun , Myung Chang‐Seon 
Published: August 2017

Background and PurposeThe proliferation and migration of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) induced by platelet‐derived growth factor (PDGF) are important steps in cardiovascular diseases, including neointimal lesion formation, myocardial infarction and atherosclerosis. Here, we evaluated the rubiarbonone C‐mediated signalling pathways that regulate PDGF‐induced VSMC proliferation and migration.Experimental ApproachCell proliferation and migration were measured in cells treated with rubiarbonone C followed by PDGF BB using the MTT assay, [3H]‐thymidine incorporation, flow cytometry and wound‐healing migration assay, MMP gelatin zymography, a fluorescence assay for F‐actin. Western blotting of molecules including MAPK, focal adhesion kinase (FAK) and STAT3 and an immunofluorescence assay using anti‐PCNA and ‐STAT3 antibodies were performed to evaluate rubiarbonone C signalling pathway(s). The medial thickness of the carotid artery was evaluated using a mouse carotid ligation model.Key ResultsRubiarbonone C inhibited PDGF‐induced VSMC proliferation and migration and diminished the ligation‐induced increase in medial thickness of the carotid artery. In PDGF‐stimulated VSMCs rubiarbonone C decreased the following: (i) levels of cyclin‐dependent kinases, cyclins, PCNA and hyperphosphorylated retinoblastoma protein; (ii) levels and activity of MMP2 and MMP9; (iii) activation of MAPK; (iv) F‐actin reorganization, by reducing FAK activation; (v) activation of STAT3.Conclusions and ImplicationsThese findings suggest that rubiarbonone C inhibits the proliferation and migration of VSMCs by inhibiting the FAK, MAPK and STAT3 signalling pathways. Therefore, rubiarbonone C could be a good candidate for the treatment of cardiovascular disease.
Little Evidence That Socioeconomic Status Modifies Heritability of Literacy and Numeracy in Australia
Authors: Grasby Katrina L. , Coventry William L. , Byrne Brian , Olson Richard K. 
Published: August 2017

Socioeconomic status (SES) has been found to moderate the influence of genes and the environment on cognitive ability, such that genetic influence is greater when SES is higher, and the shared environment is greater when SES is lower, but not in all Western countries. The effects of both family and school SES on the heritability of literacy and numeracy in Australian twins aged 8, 10, 12, and 14 years with 1,307, 1,235, 1,076, and 930 pairs at each age, respectively, were tested. Shared environmental influences on Grade 3 literacy were greater with low family SES, and no other moderating effects of SES were significant. These findings are contrasted with results from the United States and the United Kingdom.
Boom‐bust dynamics in biological invasions: towards an improved application of the concept
Authors: Strayer David L. , D'Antonio Carla M. , Essl Franz , Fowler Mike S. , Geist Juergen , Hilt Sabine , Jarić Ivan , Jöhnk Klaus , Jones Clive G. , Lambin Xavier , Latzka Alexander W. , Pergl Jan , Pyšek Petr , Robertson Peter , von Schmalensee Menja , Stefansson Robert A. , Wright Justin , Jeschke Jonathan M. 
Published: August 2017

AbstractBoom‐bust dynamics – the rise of a population to outbreak levels, followed by a dramatic decline – have been associated with biological invasions and offered as a reason not to manage troublesome invaders. However, boom‐bust dynamics rarely have been critically defined, analyzed, or interpreted. Here, we define boom‐bust dynamics and provide specific suggestions for improving the application of the boom‐bust concept. Boom‐bust dynamics can arise from many causes, some closely associated with invasions, but others occurring across a wide range of ecological settings, especially when environmental conditions are changing rapidly. As a result, it is difficult to infer cause or predict future trajectories merely by observing the dynamic. We use tests with simulated data to show that a common metric for detecting and describing boom‐bust dynamics, decline from an observed peak to a subsequent trough, tends to severely overestimate the frequency and severity of busts, and should be used cautiously if at all. We review and test other metrics that are better suited to describe boom‐bust dynamics. Understanding the frequency and importance of boom‐bust dynamics requires empirical studies of large, representative, long‐term data sets that use clear definitions of boom‐bust, appropriate analytical methods, and careful interpretations.
How does hunger affect convergence on prey patches in a social forager?
Authors: Riddell Joanne , Webster Mike M. 
Published: August 2017

AbstractInternal state, in this case hunger, is known to influence both the organisation of animal groups and the social foraging interactions that occur within them. In this study, we investigated the effects of hunger upon the time taken to locate and converge upon hidden simulated prey patches in a socially foraging fish, the threespine stickleback (Gasterosteus aculeatus). We predicted that groups of food‐deprived fish would find and recruit to prey patches faster than recently fed groups, reasoning that they might search more rapidly and be more attentive to inadvertent social information produced by other foragers. Instead we saw no difference between the two groups in the time taken to find the patches and found that in fact, once prey patches had been discovered, it was the recently fed fish that converged on them most rapidly. This finding is likely due to the fact that recently fed fish tend to organise themselves into fewer but larger subgroups, which arrived at the food patch together. Hunger has a significant impact upon the social organisation of the fish shoals, and it appears that this has a stronger effect upon the rate at which they converged upon the food patches than does internal state itself.
Effect of age and dietary carbohydrate profiles on glucose and insulin dynamics in horses
Authors: Jacob S. I. , Geor R. J. , Weber P. S. D. , Harris P. A. , McCue M. E. 
Published: August 2017

SummaryBackgroundGlucose and insulin dynamics may be different in adult and aged horses.ObjectivesTo determine the effects of age and dietary carbohydrates on glucose and insulin dynamics in healthy horses.Study designBalanced Latin square with four isocaloric diets:CONTROL(hay plus restricted‐starch‐and‐sugar fortified pellets),STARCH(control plus kibbled corn),FIBER(control plus unmolassed sugar beet pulp/soybean hull pellets) andSUGAR(control plus dextrose powder).MethodsA total of 16 healthy Thoroughbreds and Standardbreds divided into two age groups:ADULT(8.8 ± 2.9 years; n = 8) andAGED(20.6 ± 2.1 years; n = 8). Following dietary adaptation, horses underwent an insulin‐modified frequently sampled intravenous glucose tolerance test (FSIGTT), modified oral sugar test (OST) and dietary meal challenge. Outcome variables included: insulin sensitivity (SI), disposition index (DI), glucose effectiveness (Sg) and acute insulin response to glucose (AIRg) from theFSIGTT; peak glucose, peak insulin, time to peak, area under the curve for glucose (AUCg) and insulin (AUCi) from theOSTand dietary meal challenge. Data were analyzed using multivariable linear mixed regression modelling.ResultsAIRg was higher inAGED(mean [95% confidence interval]; 582.0 [455.0–709.0]) vs.ADULT(358.0 [224.0–491.0]; P = 0.03).ADULTandAGEDhorses had a higherSIonSTARCH(adult: 3.3 [2.3–4.2]; aged: 2.8 [1.9–3.7]) andSUGAR(adult: 3.4 [2.5–4.3]; aged: 4.0 [3.1–4.9]) diets compared withCONTROL(adult: 2.0 [1.1–2.9], P = 0.029 (starch), P = 0.009 (sugar); aged: 1.4 [0.5–2.2], P = 0.009 (starch), P < 0.001 (sugar)). Feeding aSTARCH(adult: 21581.0 [15029.0–28133.0]; aged: 35205.0 [29194.0–41216.0]) orSUGAR(adult: 26050.0 [19885.0–32215.0]; aged: 25720.0 [19770.0–31670.0]) meal resulted in postprandial hyperinsulinaemia (AUCi).Main limitationsStudy cohort contained two insulin‐sensitive breeds and no insulin‐resistant breeds.ConclusionsAge and diet should be considered when evaluating glucose and insulin dynamics.
Modern Language Instruction at Community College: A Survey‐Based Study of Modern Language Instructors
Authors: Nagano Tomonori , Funk Alexander , Ketcham Eric 
Published: August 2017

AbstractThis article presents and analyzes instructor data from the Students and Instructors of Languages at Community Colleges (SILCC) Survey. The SILCC Survey was designed to collect data from language professionals teaching at community colleges (CCs) on the specific challenges, opportunities, and potential areas of growth in their field. Results from 140 instructor responses in 101 CCs in 33 U.S. states are used to document the current state of teaching and learning of modern languages at CCs through a systematic survey procedure. The data on modern language instruction at CCs, a segment of the U.S. educational system underrepresented in scholarly discussions in the field of modern language, shows both strengths and areas in need of improvement.
Supratrochlear Neuralgia: A Prospective Case Series of 15 Patients
Authors: Pareja Juan A. , López‐Ruiz Pedro , Mayo Diego , Villar‐Quiles Rocío‐Nur , Cárcamo Alba , Gutiérrez‐Viedma Álvaro , Lastarria Carlo P. , Romeral María , Yangüela Julio , Cuadrado María‐Luz 
Published: August 2017

ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to describe clinical features unique to supratrochlear neuralgia.BackgroundThe supratrochlear nerve supplies the medial aspect of the forehead. Due to the intricate relationship between supraorbital and supratrochlear nerves, neuralgic pain in this region has been traditionally attributed to supraorbital neuralgia. No cases of supratrochlear neuralgia have been reported so far.MethodsFrom 2009 through 2016, we prospectively recruited patients with pain confined to the territory of the supratrochlear nerve.ResultsFifteen patients (13 women, 2 men; mean age 51.4 years, standard deviation 14.9) presented with pain in the lower paramedian forehead, extending to the eyebrow in two patients and to the internal angle of the orbit in another. Pain was unilateral in 11 patients (six on the right, five on the left), and bilateral in four. Six patients had continuous pain and nine described intermittent pain. Palpation of the supratrochlear nerve at the medial third of the supraorbital rim resulted in hypersensitivity in all cases. All but one patient exhibited sensory disturbances within the painful area. Fourteen patients underwent anesthetic blockades of the supratrochlear nerve, with immediate relief in all cases and long‐term remission in three. Six of them had received unsuccessful anesthetic blocks of the supraorbital nerve. Five patients were treated successfully with oral drugs and one patient was treated with radiofrequency.ConclusionsSupratrochlear neuralgia is an uncommon disorder causing pain in the medial region of the forehead. It may be differentiated from supraorbital neuralgia and other similar headaches and neuralgias based on the topography of the pain and the response to anesthetic blockade.
No relationship between late HIV diagnosis and social deprivation in newly diagnosed patients in France
Authors: Cuzin L , Yazdanpanah Y , Huleux T , Cotte L , Pugliese P , Allavena C , Reynes J , Poizot‐Martin I , Bani‐Sadr F , Delpierre C ,   the Dat'AIDS Study Group
Published: August 2017

ObjectivesThe aim of the study was to determine whether there is a relationship between social deprivation and time of HIV diagnosis in France.MethodsProspectively collected data from a multicentre database were used in the study. Patients with a first HIV diagnosis between 1 January 2014 and 31 December 2015 were selected from the database. Deprivation was measured using the European Deprivation Index (EDI), which is an ecological index constructed from the address of residence and based on the smallest geographical census unit, in which individuals are classified so as to be comparable with national quintiles. Time of diagnosis was classified as being at an early, intermediate, late, or advanced stage of disease. Age, gender, distance from home to HIV centre, most probable route of infection, and hepatitis B or C coinfection were considered in the analysis. Because of a strong interaction between gender and most probable route of infection, we constructed a ‘population’ variable: men who have sex with men (MSM), heterosexual men and women.ResultsOf 1421 newly diagnosed patients, 44% were diagnosed either late or at an advanced stage of disease, and 46.3% were in the highest deprivation quintile. Using multivariate logistic regression, ‘population’ [odds ratio (OR) 0.62 (95% confidence interval (CI) 0.48–0.78) for MSM compared with women] and age [OR 1.39 (95% CI 1.07–1.80), 1.72 (1.32–2.23) and 1.86 (1.40–2.47) for the second, third and fourth quartiles, respectively, compared with the first quartile] were found to be related to late diagnosis. EDI level was not related to late HIV diagnosis.Conclusions‘Population’ seems to be more relevant than EDI to define evidence‐based interventions to limit late diagnosis.
Needs assessment for patients food intake monitoring among Indonesian healthcare professionals
Authors: Budiningsari D. , Shahar S. , Abdul Manaf Z. , Susetyowati S. 
Published: August 2017

AimThe aim of this study was to provide a needs assessment related to the current practice of food intake monitoring for hospitalized adult patients among healthcare professionals and obtain feedback for the development of a new dietary assessment tool.BackgroundContinuous effort has been made to identify patients at high risk of malnutrition, but monitoring and documentation of nutritional intake are relative less emphasized upon.MethodsA needs assessment through a cross‐sectional study design was carried out at six hospitals in Yogyakarta, Indonesia. A self‐administered semi‐structured questionnaire was filled out by 111 respondents recruited from three different professions (nurses, dietitians and serving assistants) in the wards.ResultsSeventy per cent of the respondents perceived that the current dietary assessment tool used to record patients’ food intake was simple; however, the disadvantage of this tool was its tedious process of computing nutritional values of food consumed. Furthermore, more than half respondents encountered problems in conducting food intake record of patients, primarily due to limited number of human resources, followed by time constraints and perception that such dietary assessment as not part of their job scope.DiscussionThis study has revealed important information in developing a simple, valid and reliable dietary assessment tool for monitoring food intake of hospitalized patients to be applied by interdisciplinary hospital professionals.ConclusionsAwareness of the important on monitoring nutrient intake of patients should be emphasized among healthcare professionals. The current dietary assessment tool requires modification due to lengthy time taken to complete the task and poor accuracy in intake estimation.Implication for nursing and health policyHospitals should provide protocols and guidelines of cooperation among interdisciplinary professionals, including nurses, which includes a simple dietary assessment tool to assist nutritional management of hospitalized patients.