bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Present and past climatic effects on the current distribution and genetic diversity of the Iberian spadefoot toad (Pelobates cultripes): an integrative approach
Authors: Gutiérrez‐Rodríguez Jorge , Barbosa A. Márcia , Martínez‐Solano Íñigo 
Published: August 2016

AbstractAimPredicting species responses to global change is one of the most pressing issues in conservation biogeography. A key part of the problem is understanding how organisms have reacted to climatic changes in the past. Here, we use species distribution modelling to infer the effects of climate changes since the Last Interglacial (LIG, c. 130,000 yr bp) on patterns of genetic structure and diversity in the western spadefoot toad (Pelobates cultripes) in combination with spatially explicit phylogeographical analyses.LocationIberian Peninsula and mainland France.MethodsFive hundred and twenty‐four individuals from 54 populations across the species range were sampled to document patterns of genetic diversity and infer their evolutionary history based on data from mtDNA and 14 polymorphic microsatellites. Generalized linear models based on distribution data were used to infer climatic favourability for the species in the present and in palaeoclimatic simulations for the LIG, the mid‐Holocene and the Last Glacial Maximum (LGM).ResultsEstimates of genetic diversity show a decreasing trend from south to north, suggesting persistence of high historical population sizes in the southern Iberian Peninsula. Species distribution models show differences in climatic favourability through time, with significant correlations between historically stable favourable areas and current patterns of genetic diversity. These results are corroborated by Bayesian skyline plots and continuous diffusion phylogeographical analyses.Main conclusionsThe results indicate the presence of southern refugia, with moderate recent expansions at the northern end of the species’ range. Toads at the northern range margin exhibit the lowest genetic diversity and occupy areas of high past climate variability, classified as marginal in terms of favourability, rendering these populations most vulnerable to climate‐mediated changes in the long term.
Melanoma antigens are biomarkers for ipilimumab response
Authors: Arenberger P. , Fialova A. , Gkalpakiotis S. , Pavlikova A. , Puzanov I. , Arenbergerova M. 
Published: August 2016

AbstractBackgroundNovel immunotherapy modalities significantly improve survival of patients with metastatic melanoma. However, CTLA‐4‐blocking monoclonal antibody ipilimumab is effective only in a small proportion of patients. Biomarkers for prediction of treatment response are indispensably needed.ObjectiveTo determine the utility of multimarker detection of circulating melanoma cells as prognostic and pharmacodynamic biomarker in patients with metastatic melanoma treated with ipilimumab.MethodsPatients (n = 62) with metastatic melanoma in unresectable stage III or metastatic stage IV treated with ipilimumab were recruited prospectively. The values of four melanoma markers on circulating cells Melan‐A, gp100, MAGE‐3 and melanoma inhibitory antigen prior to the treatment and within the therapy were compared to the data collected at baseline – after the melanoma surgery.ResultsThe immunotherapy pretreatment marker level was found to be prognostic of overall survival; lower levels were linked to longer survival time. Moreover, longitudinal follow‐up of melanoma markers in patients treated with ipilimumab correlates with therapy response. A decline of marker levels by >30% at week 6 (in 83% of the responding subjects) to week 9 (in all responders) of ipilimumab administration was associated with response to therapy. Elevation of the tumour markers during the treatment precedes clinical progression and gives an early warning of treatment failure.ConclusionMelanoma circulating cells hold potential as predictive and pharmacodynamic biomarker of immunotherapy.
Tomato leaf curl New Delhi virus: a widespread bipartite begomovirus in the territory of monopartite begomoviruses
Authors: Zaidi Syed Shan‐E‐Ali , Martin Darren P. , Amin Imran , Farooq Muhammad , Mansoor Shahid 
Published: August 2016

SummaryTomato leaf curl New Delhi virus (ToLCNDV) is an exceptional Old World bipartite begomovirus. On the Indian subcontinent, a region in which monopartite DNA satellite‐associated begomoviruses with mostly narrow geographical ranges predominate, it is widespread, with a geographical range also including the Far East, Middle East, North Africa and Europe. The success of ToLCNDV probably derives from its broad host range and highly flexible genomic configuration: its DNA‐A component is capable of productively interacting with, and trans‐replicating, diverse DNA‐B components and betasatellites. An understanding of the capacity of ToLCNDV to infect a variety of hosts and spread across a broad and ecologically variable geographical range could illuminate the potential economic threats associated with similar begomoviral invasions. Towards this end, we used available ToLCNDV sequences to reconstruct the history of ToLCNDV spread.TaxonomyFamily Geminiviridae, Genus Begomovirus. ToLCNDV is a bipartite begomovirus. Following the revised begomovirus taxonomic criteria of 91% and 94% nucleotide identity for species and strain demarcation, respectively, ToLCNDV is a distinct species with two strains: ToLCNDV and ToLCNDV‐Spain.Host rangeThe primary cultivated host of ToLCNDV is tomato (Solanum lycopersicum), but the virus is also known to infect 43 other plant species from a range of families, including Cucurbitaceae, Euphorbiaceae, Solanaceae, Malvaceae and Fabaceae.Disease symptomsTypical symptoms of ToLCNDV infection in its various hosts include leaf curling, vein thickening, puckering, purpling/darkening of leaf margins, leaf area reduction, internode shortening and severe stunting.
Atrial Tachycardia Originating in the Vicinity of the Noncoronary Sinus of Valsalva: Report of a Series Including the First Case of Ablation‐Related Complete Atrioventricular Block
Authors: BARKAGAN MICHAEL , MICHOWITZ YOAV , GLICK AHARON , TOVIA‐BRODIE OHOLI , ROSSO RAPHAEL , BELHASSEN BERNARD 
Published: August 2016

BackgroundA few series of focal atrial tachycardia (AT) originating from the noncoronary sinus of Valsalva (NCSV) have been reported in the literature during the last decade.Methods and ResultsOf 147 patients with AT referred for radiofrequency ablation (RFA), we identified nine (6%) originating in the vicinity of the NCSV. Clinical AT was induced during electrophysiological study in all patients without (n = 6) and with (n = 3) isoproterenol infusion. Mean cycle length of the induced tachycardia was 399 ± 85 ms. Mapping of the right atrium and of the left atrium (LA) was initially performed in all nine patients and in four patients, respectively. Earliest tachycardia activation occurred at the His bundle area in all cases. Earliest activations in the LA were at the low paraseptal regions. In two patients with antegrade dual atrioventricular (AV) node physiology that rendered difficult accurate distinction between atrial and ventricular activation, slow pathway ablation was necessary. A retrograde aortic approach was used for mapping the aortic cusps. The earliest local atrial activation in the NCSV preceded the atrial activation in the His area in all patients by 27 ± 8 ms. RFA was performed in all nine patients and was acutely successful in eight. Two patients required radiofrequency (RF) energy outputs of 50 W in order to terminate the arrhythmia. In one patient, successful AT ablation was associated with complete AV block requiring implantation of permanent pacemaker.ConclusionsFocal AT can be successfully mapped and ablated in the NCSV. Higher than usual RF energy levels are sometimes required. Complete AV block is a possible complication.
Uncovering the holes and cracks: from anecdote to testable hypotheses in predation studies
Authors: Harper Elizabeth M. 
Published: August 2016

AbstractBiological interactions between organisms have long been believed to be very important in structuring communities and, when scaled up over geological time, in the evolution of organisms. Investigations of palaeontological evidence for predator–prey interactions have been popular pursuits, and a number of attractive hypotheses have been proposed which link increased predation pressure with a wide range of morphological and ecological changes which are apparent over the course of the Phanerozoic. In particular studies of fossil drill holes and repair scars in shelly prey have been common targets for research. However, the nature of some of our data has been rather anecdotal and restricted in range. Perhaps we should be more concerned that we are not picking up the true range of natural variability. This paper aims to highlight the sources of variability in our data and, going forward, to urge the collection of quantitative data from many more samples and (palaeo)environmental settings in order that we might properly be able to separate the intrinsic natural variability in our data from robust temporal or spatial trends.
Diagnosis and treatment of pulmonary alveolar microlithiasis
Authors: Emiralioglu Nagehan , Beken Burcin , Ozcan Hatice Nursun , Yalcin Ebru , Dogru Deniz , Ozcelik Ugur , Haliloglu Mithat , Kiper Nural 
Published: August 2016

AbstractPulmonary alveolar microlithiasis (PAM) is a rare genetic disease caused by mutations in sodium–phosphate co‐transporter (SLC34A2), which encodes a type 2b sodium phosphate co‐transporter. Disease is characterized by intra‐alveolar microlith formation of phosphate. Turkey has a high prevalence of PAM. Herein, we report the clinical and radiological findings of three patients diagnosed with PAM and treated with disodium etidronate.
Risk of Childhood Cancer and Socio‐economic Disparities: Results of the French Nationwide Study Geocap 2002–2010
Authors: Marquant Fabienne , Goujon Stéphanie , Faure Laure , Guissou Sandra , Orsi Laurent , Hémon Denis , Lacour Brigitte , Clavel Jacqueline 
Published: August 2016

AbstractBackgroundSocio‐economic status is related to many life style and environmental factors, some of which have been suggested to influence the risk of childhood cancer. Studies requiring subject participation are usually hampered by selection of more educated parents. To prevent such bias, we used unselected nationwide Geographical Information System (GIS)‐based registry data, to investigate the influence of socio‐economic disparities on the risk of childhood cancer.MethodsThe Geocap study included all French residents diagnosed with cancer aged up to 15 years over the period 2002–2010 (15 111 cases) and 45 000 contemporaneous controls representative of the childhood population. Area socio‐economic characteristics used to calculate the European Deprivation Index (EDI) were based on census data collected on the fine scale of the Merged Islet for Statistical Information (IRIS).ResultsOverall, the risk of acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) was lower in the most deprived quintile than in the other quintiles of EDI (ORQ5vs<Q5 0.80 (95% confidence interval (CI) 0.73, 0.88)). The odds ratio for all the other cancers taken together was close to the null (ORQ5vs<Q5 0.99 (95% CI 0.94, 1.04)).ConclusionLiving in the most deprived areas was inversely associated with the risk of ALL in childhood. There was no indication that the risk of childhood cancer of any site could be increased by deprivation. Life style or environmental factors potentially underlying the association need further investigation.
Acute effects of moderate aerobic exercise on specific aspects of executive function in different age and fitness groups: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Ludyga Sebastian , Gerber Markus , Brand Serge , Holsboer‐Trachsler Edith , Pühse Uwe 
Published: August 2016

AbstractWhereas a wealth of studies have investigated acute effects of moderate aerobic exercise on executive function, the roles of age, fitness, and the component of executive function in this relationship still remain unclear. Therefore, the present meta‐analysis investigates exercise‐induced benefits on specific aspects of executive function in different age and aerobic fitness subgroups. Based on data from 40 experimental studies, a small effect of aerobic exercise on time‐dependent measures (g = .35) and accuracy (g = .22) in executive function tasks was confirmed. The results further suggest that preadolescent children (g = .54) and older adults (g = .67) compared to other age groups benefit more from aerobic exercise when reaction time is considered as dependent variable. In contrast to age, aerobic fitness and the executive function component had no influence on the obtained effect sizes. Consequently, high aerobic fitness is no prerequisite for temporary improvements of the executive control system, and low‐ as well as high‐fit individuals seem to benefit from exercise in a similar way. However, a higher sensitivity of executive function to acute aerobic exercise was found in individuals undergoing developmental changes. Therefore, preadolescent children and older adults in particular might strategically use a single aerobic exercise session to prepare for a situation demanding high executive control.
The benefits of cooling boar semen in long‐term extenders prior to cryopreservation on sperm quality characteristics
Authors: Wasilewska K , Zasiadczyk Ł , Fraser L , Mogielnicka‐Brzozowska M , Kordan W 
Published: August 2016

ContentsThis study investigated the effects of long‐term extenders on post‐thaw sperm quality characteristics following different holding times (HT) of boar semen at 17 and 10°C. Sperm‐rich fractions, collected from five boars, were diluted in Androhep® Plus (AHP), Androstar® Plus (ASP), Safecell® Plus and TRIXcell® Plus (TCP) extenders. The extended semen samples were held for 2 hr at 17°C (HT 1) and additionally for 24 hr at 10°C (HT 2), after they were evaluated and frozen. CASA sperm motility and motion patterns, mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), plasma membrane integrity (PMI) and normal apical ridge (NAR) acrosome integrity were assessed in the pre‐freeze and frozen‐thawed semen. The Vybrant Apoptosis Assay Kit was used to analyse the proportions of viable and plasma membrane apoptotic‐like changes in spermatozoa. Results indicated that boar variability, extender and HT significantly affected the sperm quality characteristics, particularly after freezing‐thawing. Differences in the pre‐freeze semen were more marked in the sperm motion patterns between the HTs. Pre‐freeze semen in HT 2 showed significantly higher VCL and VAP, whereas no marked effects were observed in the sperm membrane integrity and viability (YO‐PRO‐1−/PI−) among the extenders. Post‐thaw sperm TMOT and PMOT were significantly higher in the AHP and ASP extenders of HT 2 group, whereas VSL, VCL and VAP were markedly lower in the TCP extender. Furthermore, spermatozoa from the AHP‐ and ASP‐extended semen of HT 2 group were characterized by higher MMP, PMI and NAR acrosome integrity following freezing‐thawing. In most of the extenders, the incidence of frozen‐thawed spermatozoa with apoptotic‐like changes was greater in HT 1. The findings of this study indicate that holding of boar semen at 10°C for 24 hr in long‐term preservation extenders modulates post‐thaw sperm quality characteristics in an extender‐dependent manner. These results will further contribute to the improvement in the cryopreservation technology of boar semen.
Comprehensive attenuation of IL‐25‐induced airway hyperresponsiveness, inflammation and remodelling by the PI3K inhibitor LY294002
Authors: Huang Ping , Li Yan , Lv Ze , Wang Jingjing , Zhang Qian , Yao Xiujuan , Corrigan Chris J. , Huang Kewu , Wang Wei , Ying Sun 
Published: August 2016

ABSTRACT
Background and objectiveExisting in vitro and in vivo studies suggest that both IL‐25 and phosphoinositide 3‐kinases (PI3Ks) exhibit broad effects on the functions of immune cells implicated in the pathogenesis of asthma. Whether the blockade of PI3K signalling directly inhibits the asthma relevant pathogenetic changes induced by IL‐25 in an in vivo condition is still unclear. Using an established IL‐25‐induced murine model of asthma, we undertook a comprehensive evaluation of the effects of co‐administered LY294002, a pharmacological pan‐inhibitor of PI3K on IL‐25‐induced changes on this model, with particular regard to airway remodelling.Methods
BALB/c mice were serially intranasally challenged with IL‐25 according to an established protocol to induce airway inflammation, hyperresponsiveness (AHR) and remodelling. In an additional subgroup LY294002 was administered intranasally. Lung function and airway cytokine and chemokine concentrations and cellular infiltration and remodelling changes assessed by histology and immunohistochemistry were measured at specific time points.ResultsIntranasal administration of LY294002 significantly inhibited IL‐25‐induced AHR and recruitment of inflammatory cells into bronchoalveolar lavage fluid. LY294002 also attenuated IL‐25‐induced increased concentrations of cytokines and chemokines in lung tissue. Histological and immunohistochemical analysis showed that LY294002 also significantly inhibited IL‐25‐induced lung tissue eosinophilia, mucus production, collagen deposition, smooth muscle hypertrophy and angiogenesis.ConclusionThe PI3K pan‐inhibitor LY294002 attenuated not only IL‐25‐induced asthma‐like AHR and airway inflammation but also remodelling in this model, suggesting that PI3K is a major downstream messenger for IL‐25 and that targeting this pathway might reduce asthma symptoms in the short term and airway remodelling in the longer term.
More Dialysis Has Not Proven Much Better
Authors: O'Brien Frank J. , Fong Kara D. , Sirich Tammy L. , Meyer Timothy W. 
Published: August 2016

AbstractPatients maintained on standard three times weekly hemodialysis have a high mortality rate and a limited quality of life. Some of this illness is due to systemic diseases that have caused kidney failure, and thus may be irreversible. But we presume that imperfect replacement of normal kidney function by dialysis contributes importantly. Patients on hemodialysis are subject to fluctuations in extracellular fluid volume and inorganic ion concentrations and their plasma levels of many organic waste solutes remain very high. It is thus natural to suppose that their health could be improved by increasing the intensity of dialysis treatment. But despite a great deal of work over the past 20 years, evidence that such improvement can be obtained is generally lacking. Specific benefits can indeed be achieved. Patients who cannot control their intradialytic weight gains or plasma phosphate levels with standard therapy can benefit from extending treatment time. But we cannot promise the average patient that longer or more frequent treatment will reduce mortality or improve the quality of life.
Changes in cytokinins are sufficient to alter developmental patterns of defense metabolites in Nicotiana attenuata
Authors: Brütting Christoph , Schäfer Martin , Vanková Radomíra , Gase Klaus , Baldwin Ian T. , Meldau Stefan 
Published: August 2016

SummaryPlant defense metabolites are well known to be regulated developmentally. The optimal defense (OD) theory posits that a tssue's fitness values and probability of attack should determine defense metabolite allocations. Young leaves are expected to provide a larger fitness value to the plant, and therefore their defense allocations should be higher when compared with older leaves. The mechanisms that coordinate development with defense remain unknown and frequently confound tests of the OD theory predictions. Here we demonstrate that cytokinins (CKs) modulate ontogeny‐dependent defenses in Nicotiana attenuata. We found that leaf CK levels highly correlate with inducible defense expressions with high levels in young and low levels in older leaves. We genetically manipulated the developmental patterns of two different CK classes by using senescence‐ and chemically inducible expression of CK biosynthesis genes. Genetically modifying the levels of different CKs in leaves was sufficient to alter ontogenic patterns of defense metabolites. We conclude that the developmental regulation of growth hormones that include CKs plays central roles in connecting development with defense and therefore in establishing optimal patterns of defense allocation in plants.
Characterization of the cutaneous mycobiota in healthy and allergic cats using next generation sequencing
Authors: Meason‐Smith Courtney , Diesel Alison , Patterson Adam P. , Older Caitlin E. , Johnson Timothy J. , Mansell Joanne M. , Suchodolski Jan S. , Rodrigues Hoffmann Aline 
Published: August 2016

BackgroundNext generation sequencing (NGS) studies have demonstrated a diverse skin‐associated microbiota and microbial dysbiosis associated with atopic dermatitis in people and in dogs. The skin of cats has yet to be investigated usingNGStechniques.Hypothesis/ObjectivesWe hypothesized that the fungal microbiota of healthy feline skin would be similar to that of dogs, with a predominance of environmental fungi, and that fungal dysbiosis would be present on the skin of allergic cats.AnimalsEleven healthy cats and nine cats diagnosed with one or more cutaneous hypersensitivity disorders, including flea bite, food‐induced and nonflea nonfood‐induced hypersensitivity.MethodsHealthy cats were sampled at twelve body sites and allergic cats at six sites.DNAwas isolated and Illumina sequencing was performed targeting the internal transcribed spacer region of fungi. Sequences were processed using the bioinformatics softwareQIIME.ResultsThe most abundant fungal sequences from the skin of all cats were classified asCladosporiumandAlternaria. The mucosal sites, including nostril, conjunctiva and reproductive tracts, had the fewest number of fungi, whereas the pre‐aural space had the most. Allergic feline skin had significantly greater amounts of Agaricomycetes and Sordariomycetes, and significantly lessEpicoccumcompared to healthy feline skin.ConclusionsThe skin of healthy cats appears to have a more diverse fungal microbiota compared to previous studies, and a fungal dysbiosis is noted in the skin of allergic cats. Future studies assessing the temporal stability of the skin microbiota in cats will be useful in determining whether the microbiota sequenced usingNGSare colonizers or transient microbes.