bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
‘Island Life’ before man: biogeography of palaeo‐insular mammals
Authors: van der Geer Alexandra A. E. , Lomolino Mark V. , Lyras George A. 
Published: September 2016

AbstractAimTo assess the relative contributions of colonization, speciation and human activities on species richness (S) of mammalian communities among oceanic islands.LocationPalaeo‐islands world‐wide.MethodsWe compiled species lists from published works and compared species–area and species–isolation relationships for mammalian taxa of 36 islands over three stages of community development during the late Pleistocene and Holocene: at colonization, or founding (Sf); after in situ speciation, but before colonization by humans (Ss); and during the Anthropocene (SA), that is, following human colonization and subsequent extinctions and species introductions. We used regression and correlation analyses to compare Sf and Ss patterns to assess the impact of speciation on the native assemblages, and compared these patterns to those expected by island biogeography theory (largely based on patterns for extant insular faunas). We then compared patterns for Ss and SA to assess impacts of human activities on insular community structure.ResultsAlthough patterns for Sf were consistent with those expected based on island biogeography theory (Sf increasing with area and decreasing with isolation), patterns for Ss were quite anomalous, with uncharacteristically steep log‐log slopes (high z‐values) of the species–area relationship, and no significant influence of isolation on Ss. Analyses based on contemporary assemblages (SA) indicated that human activities have rendered native assemblages highly depauperate, while anthropogenic introductions have inflated richness far above Ss on all but the largest islands.Main conclusionsLong‐standing models of island biogeography may prove inadequate unless their conceptual domains are expanded to include the effects of all three fundamental, biogeographical processes (immigration, extinction and speciation), the impact of human activities on each of these processes, and the likelihood that, at least for very large and isolated islands, a long‐term equilibrium among these processes is seldom achieved.
Identifying Genetic Variants in Adolescents With Oppositional Defiant Disorders and/or Conduct Disorders: A Brief Report
Authors: Oruche Ukamaka Marian , Ross Sydney E. , Carpenter Janet S. , Renbarger Jamie 
Published: September 2016

PROBLEMTo add to diversity in our state biobank, we explored the feasibility of collecting genetic material from adolescents with oppositional defiant disorder (ODD) and/or conduct disorder (CD) and their family members. We also preliminarily explored genetic factors associated with ODD and/or CD by comparing participant data to 1000 Genome Project data on minor allele frequencies.METHODSAdolescents with ODD and/or CD and family members provided saliva samples for genetic testing. We evaluated five single‐nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), respectively, in the dopamine receptor subtype D2, dopamine receptor subtype D3, dopamine beta‐hydroxylase, dopamine transporter gene SLC6A3, and alpha‐2‐adrenergic receptor genes. Fisher's exact tests were used to examine differences in minor allele frequencies for each SNP.FINDINGSThirty‐one viable samples were genotyped from 15 affected adolescents and 16 unaffected family members; the 60% consent rate reflected high feasibility. Compared with the 1000 Genome Project frequencies, affected adolescents had higher frequencies of the genetic variant in the dopamine receptor subtype D2 (p = .05) and dopamine beta‐hydroxylase (p = 0.03), but not of the other three SNPs examined.CONCLUSIONSCollecting genetic materials from an ethnically diverse sample of affected adolescents and their families is feasible. We offer practical suggestions to strengthen the integrity of future research studies.
Cold‐associated perniosis of the thighs histopathologically mimicking lupus. Six observations
Authors: Karkouche R. , Bernigaud C. , Fontugne J. , Zehou O. , Bellaud G. , N'Diaye M. , Cherif K. , Wolkenstein P. , Chosidow O. , Ortonne N. , Ingen‐Housz‐Oro S. 
Published: September 2016

AbstractBackgroundEquestrian cold panniculitis has been described since 1980 in horse riders or in stable employees. Histological aspect is underdescribed.Patients and methodsWe describe clinical and histological features of six horse riding or stable employees patients presenting with upper lateral thigh lesions during the winter months between 2014 and 2016 in our dermatological department.ResultsSix horse riding or stable employees ladies without any known disease presented with similar symptoms. They had urticarial or violaceous, slightly pruritic, sometimes necrotic lesions of the upper lateral thighs. Clinically, equestrian cold panniculitis, insect bite or a caustic dermatitis was suspected. Four of these patients had a cutaneous biopsy. They all showed a similar histological appearance resembling lupus erythematosus, combining dermo‐epidermal lesions, with foci of interface dermatitis, an abundant dermal lymphocytic infiltrate and a dermal mucinosis. Hypodermal infiltration was present on samples including subcutis. Laboratory workup for systemic disease was unremarkable for two patients and not performed for the four others, having no other clinical sign of lupus. All patients improved rapidly with very high potent topical steroids.ConclusionCold‐associated perniosis of the thighs should be considered whenever a histopathological appearance of lupus is associated with lesions of the upper lateral thighs in patients practicing horse riding. This disease belongs to the spectrum of miscellaneous cold‐induced dermatoses in which histopathological lesions identical to lupus can be encountered.
Evaluation of tricin, a stylet probing stimulant of brown planthopper, in infested and non‐infested rice plants
Authors: Zhang Z. , Cui B. , Yan S. , Li Y. , Xiao H. , Li Y. , Zhang Y. 
Published: September 2016

AbstractThe flavone, tricin (5,7,4′‐trihydroxy‐3′,5′‐dimethoxyflavone), is a valuable secondary metabolite that is common in gramineous plants, including cultivated rice (Oryza sativa). It can defend the rice plant against infestation by the brown planthopper (BPH), Nilaparvata lugens Stål, one of the most important pests of rice. This study evaluated the tricin concentration in infested and non‐infested rice plants. The results of the liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry (LC–MS/MS) quantitative analysis showed that the tricin concentration in rice leaves was significantly higher than in the stems and roots. The mass concentration of tricin in the leaves at the leaf stage was significantly higher than at the tiller and booting stages. The relationship between rice variety, BPH resistance and tricin concentration was investigated. There was a significant negative correlation between tricin concentration and the injury severity scores for rice varieties. Moreover, BPH infestation caused variations in tricin concentration among rice plants. High BPH infestation levels can significantly reduce the tricin concentration in rice plants. However, there is no significant effect of the length of infestation times on tricin concentrations in rice leaves. These results suggest that there may be an elicitor in BPH saliva, which is injected into rice plants during BPH infestation and triggers the tricin metabolic system. Future studies need to identify the elicitor and clarify the mechanism underlying tricin reduction in infested rice plants.
EEG spectral analysis of NREM sleep in a large sample of patients with insomnia and good sleepers: effects of age, sex and part of the night
Authors: Svetnik Vladimir , Snyder Ellen S. , Ma Junshui , Tao Peining , Lines Christopher , Herring William Joseph 
Published: September 2016

SummaryPrevious studies of the differences between patients with insomnia and good sleepers with regard to quantitative electroencephalographic measures have mostly utilized small samples and consequently had limited ability to account for potentially important confounding factors of age, sex and part of the night. We conducted a power spectral analysis using a large database of sleep electroencephalographic recordings to evaluate differences between patients with insomnia (N = 803) and good sleepers (N = 811), while simultaneously accounting for these factors and their interaction. Comparisons of power as a function of age and part of the night were made between cohorts (patients with insomnia versus good sleepers) by sex. Absolute power in the delta, theta and sigma bands declined with age for both females and males. Females had significantly greater power than males at all ages, and for each band, cohort and part of the night. These sex differences were much greater than differences between patients with insomnia and good sleepers. Compared with good sleepers, patients with insomnia under age 40–45 years had reduced delta band power during Part 1 of the night. Females with insomnia over age 45 years had increased delta and theta band power in Parts 2 and 3 of the night, and males with insomnia under age 40 years had reduced theta power in Part 1. Females with insomnia had increased beta2 power in all parts of the night, and males with insomnia had reduced alpha power during all parts of the night. Relative power (the proportion that an individual frequency band contributes to the total power) decreased in the delta band and increased in all other bands with age for both cohorts, sexes and all parts of the night. This analysis provides a unique resource for quantitative information on the differences in power spectra between patients with insomnia and good sleepers accounting for age, sex and part of the night.
Environmental gradients structure tropical tree assemblages at the regional scale
Authors: Krishnadas Meghna , Kumar Ajith , Comita Liza S. 
Published: September 2016

AbstractQuestionsEnvironmental filtering and niche differences influence assembly of tree communities at multiple spatial scales. At regional scales, determining the environmental variables that primarily influence compositional variation in species assemblages reveals ecologically relevant habitat types for conservation. Strength of species’ association with these habitats and differences in species occurrence along environmental gradients lend credence to niche‐based assembly and help estimate responses of tree communities to natural or human‐mediated environmental change.LocationWestern Ghats, India.MethodsWe analysed an openly available data set of ca. 62 000 trees (>10 cm DBH) in 96 1‐ha plots across a 22 000 km2 landscape, using multivariate regression trees (MRT) to identify compositional groups related to combinations of temperature, rainfall and soil type. Next, we conducted indicator species analysis to assess species associations with habitats. We then compared species richness and diversity among habitats. Finally, to discern niche overlap we assessed pair‐wise differences between species in their abundance distributions along environmental gradients.ResultsEnvironmental gradients clearly influenced landscape‐scale tree assemblages in this region. Nine ecological habitat types were identified: annual rainfall was the most important variable driving compositional differences, followed by temperature, seasonality and soils. Approximately 17% of 398 species tested were associated with single habitats. Number of species associations and local diversity varied significantly among habitats. Between 29 and 50% of species pairs showed significant differences in their distributions along environmental gradients considered.ConclusionsRelating compositionally defined tree assemblages to combinations of abiotic variables allows ecologically robust recognition of habitat types for conservation planning. Compositional differences structured by annual rainfall and temperature suggests that climate change can impact species persistence and tree community composition in the Western Ghats. Specifically, future research should assess drought response of forests by examining recruitment and survival of species in different combinations of rainfall, temperature and human disturbances.
A randomized trial comparing terlipressin and noradrenaline in patients with cirrhosis and septic shock
Authors: Choudhury Ashok , Kedarisetty Chandan K. , Vashishtha Chitranshu , Saini Deepak , Kumar Sachin , Maiwall Rakhi , Sharma Manoj K. , Bhadoria Ajeet S. , Kumar Guresh , Joshi Yogendra K. , Sarin Shiv K. 
Published: September 2016

AbstractBackground & AimsThe choice of vasopressor for treating cirrhosis with septic shock is unclear. While noradrenaline in general is the preferred vasopressor, terlipressin improves microcirculation in addition to vasopressor action in non‐cirrhotics. We compared the efficacy and safety of noradrenaline and terlipressin in cirrhotics with septic shock.Patients and MethodsCirrhotics with septic shock underwent open label randomization to receive either terlipressin (n=42) or noradrenaline (n=42) infusion at a titrated dose. The primary outcome was mean arterial pressure (MAP) >65 mm Hg at 48 h.ResultsBaseline characteristics were comparable between the terlipressin and noradrenaline groups.SBP and pneumonia were major sources of sepsis. A higher proportion of patients on terlipressin were able to achieve MAP >65 mm of Hg (92.9% vs 69.1% P=.005) at 48 h. Subsequent discontinuation of vasopressor after hemodynamic stability was better with terlipressin (33.3% vs 11.9%, P<.05). Terlipressin compared to noradrenaline prevented variceal bleed (0% vs 9.5%, P=.01) and improved survival at 48 h (95.2% vs 71.4%, P=.003). Percentage lactate clearance (LC) is an independent predictor of survival [P=.0001, HR=3.9 (95% CI: 1.85‐8.22)] after achieving the target MAP.Therapy related adverse effect were comparable in both the arms (40.5% vs 21.4%, P=.06), mostly minor (GradeII‐88%) and reversible.ConclusionsTerlipressin is as effective as noradrenaline as a vasopressor in cirrhotics with septic shock and can serve as a useful drug. Terlipressin additionally provides early survival benefit and reduces the risk of variceal bleed. Lactate clearance is a better predictor of outcome even after achieving target MAP, suggesting the role of microcirculation in septic shock.
Rotational thromboelastometry can detect factor XIII deficiency and bleeding diathesis in patients with cirrhosis
Authors: Bedreli Sotiria , Sowa Jan‐Peter , Malek Saraa , Blomeyer Sandra , Katsounas Antonios , Gerken Guido , Saner Fuat H. , Canbay Ali 
Published: September 2016

AbstractBackground & AimsPatients with progressive liver disease exhibit complex coagulation disorders. Factor XIII plays a crucial role in the last steps of haemostasis, and its deficiency is associated with an increased incidence of bleeding diathesis. However, current conventional coagulation tests cannot detect factor XIII deficiency. In this study, we examined factor XIII activity and the ability of rotational thromboelastometry to detect factor XIII deficiency and bleeding diathesis in patients with cirrhosis.MethodsWe retrospectively studied 74 patients with cirrhosis, comparing the results of conventional coagulation tests (international normalized ratio, activated partial thromboplastin time, platelet count, fibrinogen level), rotational thromboelastometry, factor XIII activity and clinical scores.ResultsPatients with cirrhosis exhibited reduced factor XIII activity. Factor XIII activity was positively correlated with conventional coagulation parameters and rotational thromboelastometry values, such as maximum clot formation (MCF)extem (r=.48, P<.0001) and MCFfibtem (r=.60, P<.0001). However, maximum lysis (ML)extem and MLaptem were not correlated with factor XIII activity. Three‐month mortality rates (P=.0469) and bleeding complications (P<.0001) were significantly associated with lower factor XIII activity. Patients with haemorrhage exhibited significantly altered rotational thromboelastometry values.ConclusionsReduced levels of MCFextem and MCFfibtem but not high levels of MLextem and MLaptem are associated with factor XIII deficiency in patients with liver disease. Therefore, substituting factor XIII should be considered for such patients to strengthen clot formation in patients experiencing haemorrhage or those who have undergone interventions.
Current challenges and future directions for liver transplantation
Authors: Toniutto Pierluigi , Zanetto Alberto , Ferrarese Alberto , Burra Patrizia 
Published: September 2016

AbstractLiver transplantation is an effective and widely used therapy for several patients with acute and chronic liver diseases. The discrepancy between the number of patients on the waiting list and available donors remains the key issue and is responsible for the high rate of waiting list mortality. The recent news is that the majority of patients with hepatitis C virus related liver disease will be cured by new antivirals therefore we should expect soon a reduction in the need of liver transplantation for these recipients. This review aims to highlight, in two different sections, the main open issues of liver transplantation concerning the current and future strategies to the best use of limited number of organs. The first section cover the strategies to increase the donor pool, discussing the use of older donors, split grafts, living donation and donation after cardiac death and mechanical perfusion systems to improve the preservation of organs before liver transplantation. Challenges in immunosuppressive therapy and operational tolerance induction will be evaluated as potential tools to increase the survival in liver transplant recipients and to reducing the need of re‐transplantation. The second section is devoted to the evaluation of possible new indications to liver transplantation, where the availability of organs by implementing the strategies mentioned in the first section and the reduction in the number of waiting transplants for HCV disease is realized. Among these new potential indications for transplantation, the expansion of the Milan criteria for hepatocellular cancer is certainly the most open to question.
Gα and regulator of G‐protein signaling (RGS) protein pairs maintain functional compatibility and conserved interaction interfaces throughout evolution despite frequent loss of RGS proteins in plants
Authors: Hackenberg Dieter , McKain Michael R. , Lee Soon Goo , Roy Choudhury Swarup , McCann Tyler , Schreier Spencer , Harkess Alex , Pires J. Chris , Wong Gane Ka‐Shu , Jez Joseph M. , Kellogg Elizabeth A. , Pandey Sona 
Published: September 2016

Summary

Signaling pathways regulated by heterotrimeric G‐proteins exist in all eukaryotes. The regulator of G‐protein signaling (RGS) proteins are key interactors and critical modulators of the Gα protein of the heterotrimer. However, while G‐proteins are widespread in plants, RGS proteins have been reported to be missing from the entire monocot lineage, with two exceptions. A single amino acid substitution‐based adaptive coevolution of the Gα:RGS proteins was proposed to enable the loss of RGS in monocots.

We used a combination of evolutionary and biochemical analyses and homology modeling of the Gα and RGS proteins to address their expansion and its potential effects on the G‐protein cycle in plants.

Our results show that RGS proteins are widely distributed in the monocot lineage, despite their frequent loss. There is no support for the adaptive coevolution of the Gα:RGS protein pair based on single amino acid substitutions. RGS proteins interact with, and affect the activity of, Gα proteins from species with or without endogenous RGS. This cross‐functional compatibility expands between the metazoan and plant kingdoms, illustrating striking conservation of their interaction interface.

We propose that additional proteins or alternative mechanisms may exist which compensate for the loss of RGS in certain plant species.
Harnessing glucagon‐like peptide‐1 receptor agonists for the pharmacological treatment of overweight and obesity
Authors: Burcelin R. , Gourdy P. 
Published: September 2016

SummaryOver the past 30 years, there has been a dramatic rise in global obesity prevalence, resulting in significant economic and social consequences. Attempts to develop pharmacological agents to treat obesity have met with many obstacles including the lack of long‐term effectiveness and the potential for adverse effects. Historically, there have been limited treatment options for overweight and obesity; however, since 2012, a number of new drugs have become available. A number of peptides produced in the gut act as key mediators of the gut–brain axis, which is involved in appetite regulation. This review discusses the role of the gut–brain axis in appetite regulation with special focus on glucagon‐like peptide‐1. Liraglutide 3.0 mg, a glucagon‐like peptide‐1 receptor agonist that targets this pathway, is now approved for the treatment of obesity and overweight (body mass index ≥27 kg/m2) with comorbidities such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol or obstructive sleep apnoea. In addition, other glucagon‐like peptide‐1 receptor agonists offer promise for obesity management in the future. This review examines how glucagon‐like peptide‐1 receptor agonists promote weight loss and summarizes the clinical data on weight loss with glucagon‐like peptide‐1 receptor agonists.
The expression of heterologous Fe (III) phytosiderophore transporter HvYS1 in rice increases Fe uptake, translocation and seed loading and excludes heavy metals by selective Fe transport
Authors: Banakar Raviraj , Alvarez Fernández Ána , Abadía Javier , Capell Teresa , Christou Paul 
Published: September 2016

SummaryMany metal transporters in plants are promiscuous, accommodating multiple divalent cations including some which are toxic to humans. Previous attempts to increase the iron (Fe) and zinc (Zn) content of rice endosperm by overexpressing different metal transporters have therefore led unintentionally to the accumulation of copper (Cu), manganese (Mn) and cadmium (Cd). Unlike other metal transporters, barley Yellow Stripe 1 (HvYS1) is specific for Fe. We investigated the mechanistic basis of this preference by constitutively expressing HvYS1 in rice under the control of the maize ubiquitin1 promoter and comparing the mobilization and loading of different metals. Plants expressing HvYS1 showed modest increases in Fe uptake, root‐to‐shoot translocation, seed accumulation and endosperm loading, but without any change in the uptake and root‐to‐shoot translocation of Zn, Mn or Cu, confirming the selective transport of Fe. The concentrations of Zn and Mn in the endosperm did not differ significantly between the wild‐type and HvYS1 lines, but the transgenic endosperm contained significantly lower concentrations of Cu. Furthermore, the transgenic lines showed a significantly reduced Cd uptake, root‐to‐shoot translocation and accumulation in the seeds. The underlying mechanism of metal uptake and translocation reflects the down‐regulation of promiscuous endogenous metal transporters revealing an internal feedback mechanism that limits seed loading with Fe. This promotes the preferential mobilization and loading of Fe, therefore displacing Cu and Cd in the seed.