bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
First predation record ofCanthecona furcellata(Wolff.) (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae) on spinning stage silkwormAntheraea mylitta(Drury)
Authors: Barsagade Deepak Dewaji , Gathalkar Ganesh Bhagwat 
Published: May 2016

AbstractA new scientific survey elucidates the preferred attack of stink bugCanthecona furcellata(Wolff.) (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae) on the spinning stage of the tropical tasar silkworm,Antheraea mylitta(Drury) (Lepidoptera: Saturniidae). The silkwormA. mylittaproduces an excellent quality of wild silk; however, due to predation byC. furcellata, tasar silk production is reduced. The bugC. furcellatais the most invasive larval predator ofA. mylittaand predation is high during early instars as well as the molting stage of the larvae. However, for the first time it is reported that the spinning stage is also preferable for attack by the stink bug. Both the nymphs and adults ofC. furcellataattack the spinning silkworm; moreover, stink bug attack is observed in groups under field conditions. It is postulated that feeding preference is due to the concealed, non‐movable and less defensive stage of the tasar larvae during spinning. The predation ofC. furcellataincludes its approach on target larva of the tasar silkworm during spinning, where it inserts the proboscis inside the larval skin through the moist silk network of newly forming or formed cocoon. Most of the spinning larvae die from the attack and the normal seed cocoon fails to form. The mechano‐ and chemoreceptors, present on the antenna and proboscis ofC. furcellata, play an important role in prey locating and the feeding mechanism. The life cycle ofC. furcellatais also discussed in the present study.
Phytic Acid: From Antinutritional to Multiple Protection Factor of Organic Systems
Authors: Silva Elisângela O. , Bracarense Ana Paula F.R.L. 
Published: May 2016

AbstractSeveral studies have shown the benefits of natural antioxidants on health and food preservation. Phytic acid (IP6) is a natural antioxidant that is found mainly in cereals and vegetables and, for a long period of time, was considered an antinutritional factor. However, in vitro and in vivo studies have demonstrated its beneficial effects in the prevention and treatment of several pathological conditions and cancer. Despite the numerous benefits of IP6, the signs and intracellular interactions mediated by this antioxidant remain poorly understood. This review describes the main chemical and biological aspects of IP6, as well as its actions in the prevention and treatment of various diseases.
Medium and Long Chain Fatty Acids Differentially Modulate Apoptosis and Release of Inflammatory Cytokines in Human Liver Cells
Authors: Li Lumin , Wang Baogui , Yu Ping , Wen Xuefang , Gong Deming , Zeng Zheling 
Published: May 2016

AbstractMedium chain fatty acids (MCFA) can be more easily absorbed and supply energy more rapidly than long chain fatty acids (LCFA). However, little is known about the inflammatory response by the treatment of MCFA in human liver cells. Thus this study used human liver cells (LO2) to evaluate the effects of MCFA on apoptosis and inflammatory response. Tetrazolim‐based colorimetric assay and lactate dehydrogenase assay were used to measure the viability of LO2 cells, isolated spleens and liver cells from BALB/C mice. Inverted fluorescence microscopy and flow cytometry were used to assess the cell apoptosis. Activity of superoxide dismutase and malondialdehyde level were measured to determine the oxidative damage. mRNA or protein levels of classical pro‐inflammatory cytokines were analyzed by quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR), enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay and western blotting. The results showed that the liver cells treated with the fatty acids at 200 μM for 24 h exhibited good viability. Fatty acids induced inflammatory cytokines at transcriptional and translational levels to a lesser extent than lipopolysaccharide. LCFA (oleic acid) up‐regulated tumor necrosis fator‐α, monocyte chemoattractant‐1 and interleukin‐1β while down‐regulated IL‐6 and IL‐8 secretion to a higher extent than MCFA in mRNA and protein levels. These findings suggested that MCFA may induce apoptosis to a less extent and exert more gentle inflammation than LCFA in human liver cells.
Analysis of defence systems and a conjugative IncP‐1 plasmid in the marine polyaromatic hydrocarbons‐degrading bacterium Cycloclasticus sp. 78‐ME
Authors: Yakimov Michail M. , Crisafi Francesca , Messina Enzo , Smedile Francesco , Lopatina Anna , Denaro Renata , Pieper Dietmar H. , Golyshin Peter N. , Giuliano Laura 
Published: May 2016

SummaryMarine prokaryotes have evolved a broad repertoire of defence systems to protect their genomes from lateral gene transfer including innate or acquired immune systems and infection‐induced programmed cell suicide and dormancy. Here we report on the analysis of multiple defence systems present in the genome of the strain Cycloclasticus sp. 78‐ME isolated from petroleum deposits of the tanker ‘Amoco Milford Haven’. Cycloclasticus are ubiquitous bacteria globally important in polyaromatic hydrocarbons degradation in marine environments. Two ‘defence islands’ were identified in 78‐ME genome: the first harbouring CRISPR‐Cas with toxin‐antitoxin system, while the second was composed by an array of genes for toxin‐antitoxin and restriction‐modification proteins. Among all identified spacers of CRISPR‐Cas system only seven spacers match sequences of phages and plasmids. Furthermore, a conjugative plasmid p7ME01, which belongs to a new IncP‐1θ ancestral archetype without any accessory mobile elements was found in 78‐ME. Our results provide the context to the co‐occurrence of diverse defence mechanisms in the genome of Cycloclasticus sp. 78‐ME, which protect the genome of this highly specialized PAH‐degrader. This study contributes to the further understanding of complex networks established in petroleum‐based microbial communities.
Monitoring African buffalo (Syncerus caffer) and cattle (Bos taurus) movement across a damaged veterinary control fence at a Southern African wildlife/livestock interface
Authors: Chigwenhese Leoba , Murwira Amon , Zengeya Fadzai M. , Masocha Mhosisi , de Garine‐Wichatitsky Michel , Caron Alexandre 
Published: May 2016

AbstractWe test the extent to which fence damage or fence permeability (resulting from human and elephant damage) influences patterns of cattle and buffalo movement at the periphery of Gonarezhou National Park, Zimbabwe. We used spoor data to detect and compare the frequency of cattle and buffalo movement across the fence boundary. Results show that spoor proportions for cattle were significantly higher on fence partially damaged by humans than buffalo spoor. Conversely, buffalo spoor proportions were significantly higher on sections with totally removed fence as a result of elephant damage. Results suggest that cattle and buffalo use different sections of the damaged fence.
National Swedish study of immigrant children with type 1 diabetes showed impaired metabolic control after three years of treatment
Authors: Söderström Ulf , Samuelsson Ulf , Åman Jan 
Published: May 2016

AbstractAimThis study examined the clinical status and socio‐demographic conditions of children with type 1 diabetes at baseline and after three years of treatment, comparing those born to immigrant parents and Swedish parents.MethodsThis observational nationwide population‐based cohort study used prospectively collected registry data from Swediabkids, the National Quality Registry for Paediatric Diabetes in Sweden from 2000 to 2010. Of the 13 415 children with type 1 diabetes, there were 879 born to immigrant parents. We selected three children born to Swedish parents from the same registry for each immigrant child matching them by gender, age and year of diabetes onset (n = 2627; with 10 control children missing probably due to the matching procedure).ResultsImmigrant children had a higher median glycated haemoglobin level (HbA1c) than their Swedish peers, but there was no difference in the frequency of hypoglycaemia or ketoacidosis between the two cohorts. A linear regression model with HbA1c as a dependent variable showed that insulin units per kilogram of body weight were the main reason for inferior metabolic control.ConclusionChildren with type 1 diabetes born to immigrant parents had inferior metabolic control three years after disease onset compared to children with Swedish born parents. Social family support and educational coping programmes are needed to improve treatment outcomes in immigrants with diabetes.
Methodological quality of antimalarial randomized controlled trials during pregnancy and its impact on the risk of low birth weight
Authors: Muanda Flory T. , Bérard Anick 
Published: May 2016

AimTo describe biases in antimalarial randomized controlled trials (RCTs) during pregnancy and their influence on antimalarial drug efficacy to reduce the risk of low birth weight (LBW).MethodsRCT characteristics and results were retrieved from a previous systematic review on the efficacy of antimalarials. The Cochrane risk of bias assessment was used to investigate source of biases in each RCT. The quality of RCT reporting published after the introduction of the CONSORT statement in medical literature in 1996 were compared to those published before 1996. A meta‐regression analysis was performed to examine the impact of bias on the efficacy of antimalarials to reduce LBW after controlling for the time period prior to 1996.ResultsTwenty out of 25 RCTs (80%) had a high risk of bias. The proportion of RCTs having a low risk of bias was higher in manuscripts published after the introduction of CONSORT compared to those published before 1996 for sequence generation (P = 0.04) and allocation concealment (P = 0.04). Heterogeneity between RCTs was associated with an overestimation of the efficacy of antimalarial drugs in reducing LBW in RCTs with inadequate methods for randomization, allocation concealment or not being free of other bias.ConclusionAntimalarial RCTs during pregnancy are poorly reported but may be improved by using the CONSORT statement. After taking into account the time period before 1996, we found that biases had an impact on the efficacy of antimalarials to reduce the risk of LBW.
Method for a homogeneous distribution of pollens in an environmental exposure chamber
Authors: Kenney P. , Bønløkke J. , Hilberg O. , Ravn P. , Schlünssen V. , Sigsgaard T. 
Published: May 2016

SummaryBackgroundA variety of different environmental exposure chambers (EECs) have been used to evaluate treatments for allergic rhinitis.ObjectiveTo describe and test a system for a homogenous distribution of grass pollen, Phleum Pratense, in an EEC to be used for controlled pollen exposure studies in allergic participants.MethodsA chamber made of stainless steel with completely rounded corners, seating four individuals at a time, was used. Room pressure, temperature, humidity and the air change rate were kept constant throughout the study period.A rotating pipette dispensed a uniform supply of pollen into a turntable's v‐shaped grooves. A stainless steel capillary tube sucked the pollens into a venturi throat at which time the pollens were mixed with a high‐pressure airstream of compressed high‐efficiency particulate arrestance filtered air and then transported to a spreading plate inside the EEC.To achieve uniform concentrations in the EEC, the turntable's rotating speed was continuously adjusted using information from video‐coupled feedback and feed forward mechanisms. Pollen levels were detected using standard volumetric air samplers and laser particle counters. The target pollen exposure level was 1000 pollens/m3. Twenty‐one participants were exposed to pollens in the EEC twice for 210 min. Participants evaluated their symptoms every 30 min using a total nasal symptom score (TNSS) consisting of blocked nose, runny nose, nasal itching and sneezing.ResultsAcross fifteen study days, the average pollen level was 982 pollens/m3 (SD, 102 pollens/m3). On average, participants experienced a 10% difference in overall pollen levels between their two visits to the EEC. The mean TNSSs rose throughout the exposure period, with a low at baseline of 0.43 (SD, 0.68) to a high of 4.71 (SD, 2.43) just before exiting the EEC.Conclusion and Clinical RelevanceThis EEC provides a reproducible, precise and homogenous distribution of pollens making it suitable for single‐centre allergy clinical trials.
Effects of Single‐ and Mixed‐Species Group Composition on the Flight Initiation Distances of Plains and Grevy's Zebras
Authors: Brubaker Alexali S. , Coss Richard G. 
Published: May 2016

AbstractZebras, as prey species, attend to the behavior of nearby conspecifics and heterospecifics when making decisions to flee from predators. Plains zebras (Equus quagga) and Grevy's zebras (E. grevyi) frequently form mixed‐species groups in zones where their ranges overlap in Kenya. Although anecdotal observations suggest that Plains zebras are more flighty around humans than Grevy's zebras are, this has not been empirically confirmed, and relatively little is known about how they may influence each other's flight behavior. We addressed these questions by examining the flight initiation distances (FIDs) of Plains and Grevy's zebras in single‐species and mixed‐species groups from an approaching human. One target individual per group was approached steadily on foot, with start distance, alert distance, and FID recorded from this target. Using start distance and alert distance separately as covariates, 22 Plains zebras in single‐species groups exhibited a significantly longer mean FID than 15 Grevy's zebras in single‐species groups. The FIDs of 7 Plains zebras and 5 Grevy's zebras tested in mixed‐species groups were virtually equivalent and intermediate to those of Plains and Grevy's zebras in single‐species groups, suggesting a bidirectional moderating influence of heterospecifics on risk assessment. This effect was most pronounced for Plains zebras in mixed‐species groups that exhibited an FID that was significantly shorter than that of Plains zebras in single‐species groups. Our findings underscore the importance of recognizing that related equids may be differently impacted by anthropogenic stress.
Describing a developing hybrid zone between red wolves and coyotes in eastern North Carolina, USA
Authors: Bohling Justin H. , Dellinger Justin , McVey Justin M. , Cobb David T. , Moorman Christopher E. , Waits Lisette P. 
Published: May 2016

AbstractWhen hybridizing species come into contact, understanding the processes that regulate their interactions can help predict the future outcome of the system. This is especially relevant in conservation situations where human activities can influence hybridization dynamics. We investigated a developing hybrid zone between red wolves and coyotes in North Carolina, USA to elucidate patterns of hybridization in a system heavily managed for preservation of the red wolf genome. Using noninvasive genetic sampling of scat, we surveyed a 2880 km2 region adjacent to the Red Wolf Experimental Population Area (RWEPA). We combined microsatellite genotypes collected from this survey with those from companion studies conducted both within and outside the RWEPA to describe the gradient of red wolf ancestry. A total of 311 individuals were genotyped at 17 loci and red wolf ancestry decreased along an east–west gradient across the RWEPA. No red wolves were found outside the RWEPA, yet half of individuals found within this area were coyotes. Hybrids composed only 4% of individuals within this landscape despite co‐occurrence of the two species throughout the RWEPA. The low proportion of hybrids suggests that a combination of active management and natural isolating mechanisms may be limiting intermixing within this hybrid system.
Seasonal variability of cephalopod populations: a spatio‐temporal approach in the Western Mediterranean Sea
Authors: Puerta Patricia , Quetglas Antoni , Hidalgo Manuel 
Published: May 2016

AbstractCephalopod populations show wide temporal fluctuations in abundance, which have usually been investigated at inter‐annual scales related to environmental variability. However, cephalopods are also strongly linked to seasonal environmental fluctuations owing to their short life cycles and single seasonal breeding. Therefore, population abundance critically depends on the success of breeding and recruitment from the previous year and the optimization of resources in a narrow period of favorable conditions. This adaptation of population dynamics is paramount in marked oligotrophic systems, such as the western Mediterranean Sea. We used monthly landings per unit effort (LPUE) to explore the spatio‐temporal variability in seasonal patterns of three cephalopod species (Illex coindetii, Eledone cirrhosa and Octopus vulgaris). Common trends across the study area were characterized for each species. In all cases, seasonal patterns were geographically aggregated in relation to differences in local environment (i.e., primary production and surface hydro‐climatology). Variability in the mean seasonal pattern over time was also investigated under contrasting environmental or population regimes. The mean seasonal trend was more pronounced in regimes of high‐population densities, suggesting a density‐dependent control that can modify the strength of the environmental forcing in the seasonal patterns. Our study also evidences a spatial synchrony in the seasonal fluctuations of LPUEs. Scales of synchrony ranged from 70 to 200 km, indicating a patchy‐aggregated spatial pattern as a part of complex population structures in the western Mediterranean. Improving our understanding of seasonal dynamics of cephalopods across temporal and spatial scales may lead to improved forecasts and management strategies.
Influence of Hydraulic Fracturing on Overlying Aquifers in the Presence of Leaky Abandoned Wells
Authors: Brownlow Joshua W. , James Scott C. , Yelderman Joe C. 
Published: May 2016

AbstractThe association between hydrocarbon‐rich reservoirs and organic‐rich source rocks means unconventional oil and gas plays usually occur in mature sedimentary basins—where large‐scale conventional development has already taken place. Abandoned wells in proximity to hydraulic fracturing could be affected by increased fluid pressures and corresponding newly generated fractures that directly connect (frac hit) to an abandoned well or to existing fractures intersecting an abandoned well. If contaminants migrate to a pathway hydraulically connected to an abandoned well, upward leakage may occur. Potential effects of hydraulic fracturing on upward flow through a particular type of leaky abandoned well—abandoned oil and gas wells converted into water wells were investigated using numerical modeling. Several factors that affect flow to leaky wells were considered including proximity of a leaky well to hydraulic fracturing, flowback, production, and leaky well abandonment methods. The numerical model used historical records and available industry data for the Eagle Ford Shale play in south Texas. Numerical simulations indicate that upward contaminant migration could occur through leaky converted wells if certain spatial and hydraulic conditions exist. Upward flow through leaky converted wells increased with proximity to hydraulic fracturing, but decreased when flowback and production occurred. Volumetric flow rates ranged between 0 and 0.086 m3/d for hydraulic‐fracturing scenarios. Potential groundwater impacts should be paired with plausible transport mechanisms, and upward flow through leaky abandoned wells could be unrelated to hydraulic fracturing. The results also underscore the need to evaluate historical activities.
Effectiveness and safety of daclatasvir plus asunaprevir for patients with hepatitis C virus genotype 1b aged 75 years and over with or without cirrhosis
Authors: Ogawa Eiichi , Furusyo Norihiro , Yamashita Naoki , Kawano Akira , Takahashi Kazuhiro , Dohmen Kazufumi , Nakamuta Makoto , Satoh Takeaki , Nomura Hideyuki , Azuma Koichi , Koyanagi Toshimasa , Kotoh Kazuhiro , Shimoda Shinji , Kajiwara Eiji , Hayashi Jun ,   The Kyushu University Liver Disease Study(KULDS) Group
Published: May 2016

AimThe aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of 24‐week daclatasvir (NS5A inhibitor) plus asunaprevir (NS3/4 A protease inhibitor) treatment for elderly patients with hepatitis C virus (HCV) genotype 1b infection.MethodsThis prospective, multicenter study consisted of 321 Japanese HCV genotype 1b patients who were interferon‐ineligible/intolerant or non‐responders to interferon‐based regimens, including 103 (32.1%) aged ≥75 years and 127 (39.6%) with cirrhosis. Sustained virological response (SVR) at 24 weeks after the end of treatment and adverse effects were analyzed according to age.ResultsThe overall SVR rate was 90.3%. In terms of by age, 94.5% (69/73), 88.3% (128/145), and 90.3% (93/103) of the patients aged <65, 65–74, and ≥75 years, respectively, achieved SVR. For the entire cohort, pre‐existent NS5A resistance‐associated variants and prior simeprevir failure were independently associated with treatment failure. According to the analysis of patients without these unfavorable pretreatment factors, 90.8% (89/98) aged ≥75 years achieved SVR, although this was significantly lower than for those aged <65 years (98.5%, 66/67) (P < 0.05). The frequency of adverse effects was comparable for the <75 and ≥75 age groups, the most common being an elevated alanine aminotransferase level (>150 U/L, 8.7%), however, no decompensating events were seen.ConclusionsDaclatasvir plus asunaprevir for HCV genotype 1b was well tolerated and effective for patients without pre‐existent NS5A resistance‐associated variants or simeprevir failure, irrespective of fibrosis status. However, it was less effective for very old patients aged ≥75 years compared to those aged <65.
Drug breakthrough offers hope to arthritis sufferers: qualitative analysis of medical research in UK newspapers
Authors: Hanson Helen , O'Brien Nicola , Whybrow Paul , Isaacs John D , Rapley Tim 
Published: May 2016

AbstractBackgroundNewspaper stories can impact behaviours, particularly in relation to research participation. It is therefore important to understand the narratives presented and ways in which these are received. Some work to date assumes journalism transmits existing medical knowledge to a passive audience. This study aimed to explore how newspaper articles present stories about medical research and how people interpret and use them.DesignQualitative research methods were employed to analyse two data sets: newspaper articles relating to ‘rheumatoid arthritis’ and ‘research’ from UK local and national news sources; and existing transcripts of interviews with patients with rheumatoid arthritis and their carers.ResultsNewspapers present a positive account of medical research, through a simple narrative with three essential components: an ‘innovation’ offers ‘hope’ in the context of ‘burden’. Patients frequently feature as passive subjects without attributed opinions. Few articles include patients’ experiences of research involvement. Patients with rheumatoid arthritis and their carers read articles about medical research critically, often with cynicism and drawing on other sources for interpretation.ConclusionsAn understanding of the simple, positive narrative of medical research found in newspaper articles may enable researchers to gain mass media exposure for their work and challenge this typical style of reporting. The critical and cynical ways patients and carers read stories about medical research suggest that concerns about newspaper articles misinforming the public may be overstated, but any effect on research engagement is unknown. Newspaper articles rarely present patients’ views or their experiences of research, and this can be conceptualized as ‘depersonalization bias’.